This study tries to construct a model of cyber-delinquency and test it. This study provides some explanatory factors, specifies them into motive, opportunity and control factors, and attempts to construct a model of cyber-delinquency. This study examines the effects of motive factors(eg, parental and school strains, depression, low self-esteem, fun-seeking, and association with delinquent peers) and also tests the effect of internet using time as an opportunity factor on cyber-delinquency. In addition, this study examines the effects of moderator factors and tests the interaction effects of motive and opportunity factors with control factors(eg, social bonds, perceived punishment, attitude, and self-control.
Using data from 1,113 middle and high school student in Seoul, 2003, this study reveals that association with delinquent peers, fun-seeking motive, and depression have direct significant effects on cyber-delinquency and also finds that internet using time has a large effect in explaining cyber-delinquency. In addition, results show that some interaction effects of motive and opportunity factors with control factors are significant, which results support the validity of a model. The policy implications of those results are discussed.