A Correlational Study of Cyber Crime Awareness and Human Rights Awareness of Male and Female Students of College Level

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between Cyber Crime Awareness and human rights awareness among male and female students at the college level. In the contemporary digital era, increasing use of technology has led to a rise in cyber-related crimes, making awareness of Cyber Crime and Human Rights essential for students. Cyber Crime Awareness helps individuals protect themselves from digital threats, while human rights awareness promotes responsible and ethical behaviour in society. The study adopted a correlational research design and was conducted on a sample of 160 college-level students, comprising 80 boys and 80 girls, selected through random sampling from colleges located in Meerut district. Standardized tools were used to measure Cyber Crime Awareness and Human Rights Awareness among the students. The data were analysed using Karl Pearson’s coefficient of correlation. The findings revealed a positive but low correlation between Cyber Crime Awareness and Human Rights Awareness among boys (r = 0.31), indicating a weak relationship. In contrast, the correlation among girls was found to be negligible and negative (r= −0.02), showing no significant relationship between the two variables. The results suggest that Cyber Crime Awareness and Human Rights Awareness function independently among college-level students, particularly among girls. The study highlights the need to strengthen awareness programs and educational initiatives related to cyber safety and human rights to enhance students’ understanding and responsible digital behaviour.