Influence of Parental Roles on Adolescents' Involvement in Internet Fraud in Ede Local Government of Osun State

Internet fraud has become a growing concern, particularly among adolescents in Nigeria, driven by increased smartphone and internet access with its detrimental effects on the society. This study explored how parental roles influence adolescents' involvement in internet fraud in Ede South Local Government, Osun State. A mixed-method approach was used, with data collected from 250 adolescents aged 12-19 through multistage and snowball sampling. The Parenting Roles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PRDQ) was employed to assess parental involvement, focusing on communication, rule-setting, and monitoring of online activity. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. The findings revealed that active parental involvement, including frequent communication about internet fraud risks and consistent monitoring, was associated with a lower likelihood of adolescents engaging in internet fraud. Conversely, permissive parenting, marked by minimal rules and enforcement, was linked to higher participation in fraud. The study therefore highlighted the critical role of parenting in shaping adolescents' online behaviour. It stressed the importance of parental engagement in fostering responsible internet use and protecting adolescents from online risks, calling for targeted educational initiatives to equip parents with effective strategies for safeguarding their children in the digital age.