Prevention Mechanisms for Online Deviant Behaviors Among Thai Youth: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Social Control, Legal Knowledge, and Online Self-Control

With a substantial increase in internet usage, digital technology has transformed youth behaviors in Thailand, creating significant challenges related to online deviant behaviors (ODB)—from cyberbullying to illegal content sharing. This mixed-methods study explored prevention mechanisms among Thai youth. Key findings revealed socialization as the strongest predictor of online self-control, with variations across educational levels. University students showed the highest socialization effect, while middle school students were most influenced by online criminal law knowledge. Gender factors significantly impacted online deviant behaviors, with LGBTQ+ individuals and males showing higher tendencies. The study proposes an integrated prevention framework involving multiple stakeholders and provides evidence-based guidelines tailored to Thailand’s sociocultural context, emphasizing the need for age-appropriate interventions addressing the interplay between legal knowledge, social bonds, and self-regulatory mechanisms in digital environments.