Economics of Crime and Financial Delinquency among Children and Adolescents: A Comparative Analysis of Causes and Consequences in Physical and Digital Spaces

ABSTRACTWith the expansion of modern technologies and the pervasive influence of the digital space in daily life, financial delinquency among children and adolescents has become a significant social and economic challenge. This phenomenon, occurring both in the physical and digital environments, has widespread consequences for the individuals, their families, and society. This study employs a comparative approach, utilizing data from cases recorded at the Tehran Juvenile Court, to examine the underlying factors and consequences of financial delinquency and the economics of crime in these two contexts. The findings indicate that multiple factors—including family economic status, parental supervision weaknesses, behavioral disorders, cultural changes, and broad access to digital tools—contribute to the occurrence of these offenses. In the physical environment, the economic and social impacts primarily affect the family and the adolescent’s immediate social surroundings, whereas in the digital space, due to the scale, speed, and anonymity of offenders, the consequences are more complex and, in some cases, cross-border. The results highlight the necessity for preventive policies, the promotion of economic and digital literacy, strengthening of support systems, and improvement of judicial frameworks related to children and adolescents. These insights can assist policymakers and researchers in reducing the financial and social harms associated with juvenile delinquency in the digital era.Keywords: Economics of crime, financial delinquency, children and adolescents, physical environment, digital environment, juvenile court.

کلیدواژه ها:

Economics of crime ، financial delinquency ، Children and Adolescents ، physical environment ، Digital environment ، juvenile court