When we picture cyber criminals, we might imagine shady figures working in the shadows, but the truth is, many of them are teenagers. The average age of a cyber criminal in the UK is just 17 years old according to the National Crime Agency (NCA). So, why are young people getting involved in cyber crime, and what can we do to prevent it?

Why Are Young People Turning to Cyber Crime?

Growing up in a digital world, many young people are incredibly comfortable with technology. This can lead to curiosity about how it all works – and sometimes, how it can be manipulated. What might start as harmless fun, like hacking into a game, can easily escalate into illegal activities such as data theft, ransomware, or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.

In fact, 61% of young hackers told the NCA they started by simply experimenting with online games or coding. Unfortunately, cyber crime often feels like a victimless crime, but the real-world consequences can be severe.

A major lure for young cyber criminals is the promise of easy money. With phishing scams and the sale of stolen data, many are tempted by the idea of making quick cash online. In the UK, cyber crime now accounts for over half of all reported crime, with much of it being committed by youth offenders.

The Influence of Online Communities

Online forums and chat rooms are another major factor. These communities often glamorise hacking, with experienced criminals encouraging younger members to take on challenges or prove their skills. Shockingly, 40% of young cyber criminals said they didn’t even see their actions as wrong, viewing hacking as more of a game than a serious crime.
These online spaces normalise illegal activities, making it easier for young people to fall into bad habits without fully understanding the risks. Unfortunately, the impact can be huge. A notable example is the 16-year-old from Hertfordshire, involved in the 2015 TalkTalk data breach that cost the company £77 million and affected 157,000 customers. He ended up serving 12 months in a youth rehabilitation centre.

How Can We Stop Youth Cyber Crime?

Tackling youth cyber crime isn’t just about punishing offenders – it’s about preventing them from getting involved in the first place. Here’s how we can help:

• Education and Awareness Many young people aren’t aware of the serious consequences of cyber crime. Schools should do more to educate students about cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and the legal repercussions of hacking. In one study, 70% of young offenders said they didn’t know cybersecurity laws before committing crimes.
• Channel Talents Positively Many young cyber criminals are highly skilled in technology. Instead of punishing them, we should encourage positive outlets like coding challenges, ethical hacking competitions, or programmes like the Cyber Discovery initiative, which teaches young people to use their skills for good.
• Parental Involvement Parents also play a crucial role. Being aware of what their children are doing online, setting boundaries, and having conversations about the dangers of cyber crime can make a big difference in steering young people away from illegal activities.
• Mentorship and Support Having positive role models in the tech world can guide young people toward responsible use of their skills. Tech professionals, schools, and youth organisations should offer mentorship and support, helping young people pursue careers in cybersecurity instead of falling into crime.

Final Thoughts

The rise in youth cyber crime is concerning, but it’s not surprising in today’s tech-driven world. Curiosity, peer pressure, and the temptation of easy money are pulling young people into illegal activities. However, with better education, positive outlets for tech talents, and proper guidance, we can help prevent it.
Rather than punishing young cyber criminals, we should see their potential. With the right support, today’s offenders could become tomorrow’s cybersecurity experts.