Abstract:
The objectives of this research were to examine the exposure to crime news of juveniles in the Juvenile Observation and Protection Center of Ubon Ratchathani Province and to explore their opinions towards possible effects of crime news on the juveniles, and to propose preventive measures against those effects. The study was qualitatively and quantitatively conducted. The population was 736 juveniles in the Juvenile Observation and Protection Center of Ubon Ratchathani Province. 246 juveniles were sampled using the quota sampling method according to categories of offences. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and parameter statistics. The quantitative research was carried out through interviews with 11 juveniles in different offences sampled using the purposive sampling method.
The results revealed that most juveniles were exposed to crime news on websites. Most of them paid attention to drug news and followed the news related to arrests, prosecution, and penalties. Most of the factor leading to exposure of crime news was parental guidance. In terms of effects of crime news, those who were lower than 10 years old were more likely to think that crime news was an alternative to learn forms of crime and how to commit crime in comparison to those who were 10 years old and higher. Juveniles whose crime was gun carriage without permission and burglary thought that they could learn to commit and imitate illegal acts. As a preventive measure, families should warn children and provide them positive advice. In addition, media organizations were recommended to mainly focus on the presentation of news related to legal punishments for crime offences and self-protection from crime.