A 2026 study by Viyen Mawar Sandagang and Sahrul Salingkat
from Universitas Muhammadiyah Luwuk shows that internet safety education
significantly improves digital literacy among elementary school students in SD
Negeri Biak, Central Sulawesi. The findings highlight the urgency of teaching
children how to use the internet safely as digital access becomes widespread at
an early age.
The rapid growth of digital technology has made internet and
social media use common among elementary students, including those in rural
areas. While the internet offers educational benefits, it also exposes children
to risks such as inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and misuse of personal
data. Many students lack awareness of these dangers and do not yet understand
safe online behavior.
To address this gap, the research team conducted an
educational outreach program on February 2026 involving elementary students at
SD Negeri Biak. The program combined observation, simple questionnaires, and
interactive learning sessions. Teaching materials were delivered through
presentations, discussions, and real-life examples tailored to children’s daily
experiences, making the content easier to understand.
The study found clear improvements in students’ knowledge
and behavior after the program. Key findings include:
- Students gained better understanding of basic internet safety rules
- Awareness increased about protecting personal data such as home address, phone number, and passwords
- Students became more cautious when interacting with unknown individuals online
- Critical thinking improved, with students more likely to verify information before believing or sharing it
Before the program, many students believed sharing personal
information online was harmless. After the sessions, most students could
explain why such actions are risky and how to avoid them. During simulations,
students also demonstrated appropriate responses, such as ignoring suspicious
messages and reporting them to adults.
Viyen Mawar Sandagang from Universitas Muhammadiyah Luwuk
emphasizes that early digital literacy education is essential in shaping
responsible online behavior. She explains that children need not only technical
skills but also awareness of ethics, safety, and consequences in digital
spaces.
The impact of this study extends beyond the classroom. It
provides a practical model for schools to integrate digital literacy into basic
education. The findings suggest that interactive and context-based teaching
methods are more effective than theoretical explanations alone. The program
also highlights the importance of collaboration between schools and parents to
reinforce safe internet habits at home.
This research confirms that structured internet safety
education can help children navigate the digital world more responsibly. As
internet access continues to expand, such initiatives are crucial to reducing
risks and building a generation of informed and cautious digital users.
Author Profile
- Viyen Mawar Sandagang - Universitas Muhammadiyah Luwuk
- Sahrul Angkat - Universitas Muhammadiyah Luwuk
Source
Sandagang, V. M., & Salingkat, S. (2026). Social Media Outreach:
Internet Safety Education for Biak Public Elementary School Students.
Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Bestari (JPMB), Vol. 5 No. 3, 185–194.
URL : https://doi.org/10.55927/jpmb.v5i3.2
DOI :
0 Komentar