A community-based mentoring program in Sukoharjo Village has successfully improved teenagers’ speaking abilities and social communication character in the digital era. The initiative was conducted by Muhlis Fajar Wicaksana and a research team from Universitas Veteran Bangun Nusantara and published in 2026 in the Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Bestari (JPMB). The program was designed to reduce miscommunication and social conflict among youth caused by weak communication ethics and low digital literacy.
The study highlighted that the high use of digital technology among adolescents is not always accompanied by strong communication skills. In Sukoharjo Village, more than 85 percent of teenagers already use digital devices, yet many still struggle with public speaking, logical argument development, and ethical communication on social media. These limitations have contributed to small-scale social conflicts, misunderstandings, and inappropriate language use in digital spaces.
Researchers found that previous youth development activities in the village mainly focused on physical and religious programs, while communication skills and digital literacy training had not been systematically developed. At the same time, community facilities such as village halls and multimedia rooms were already available and could be optimized as learning spaces for communication and character development.
The mentoring program involved approximately 15 to 20 members of Karang Taruna Bermuda 3 aged between 12 and 22 years old. Activities were held at the Sukoharjo Village Hall and multimedia room using a participatory approach divided into five stages:
- Interactive lectures on digital communication ethics
- Demonstrations of effective communication techniques
- Hands-on practice in public speaking and creative content production
- Personal coaching and mentoring
- Reflection sessions and follow-up action plans
The results showed a significant improvement in participants’ confidence and speaking skills. Teenagers who were previously passive became more willing to express opinions publicly and developed more structured communication abilities. Multimedia-based learning and direct practice sessions were considered highly effective in helping participants understand vocal techniques, body language, and persuasive speaking strategies.
The study also revealed a shift in teenagers’ attitudes toward social media use. Around 85 percent of participants initially lacked awareness of the long-term impact of digital footprints and impolite online language. After participating in the mentoring sessions, many participants changed their communication mindset from “free expression” to “responsible expression.”
According to Muhlis Fajar Wicaksana and the team from Universitas Veteran Bangun Nusantara, one of the program’s most important outcomes was the improvement of participants’ ability to filter misinformation and hoaxes before sharing them through WhatsApp groups or social media platforms. This skill is considered essential in the era of rapid information dissemination among Generation Z.
During the mentoring process, researchers also discovered that fear of negative judgment on social media was one of the biggest challenges faced by teenagers. The program provided a safe environment where participants could practice speaking, share opinions, and build confidence without fear of criticism.
One of the most notable outcomes of the initiative was the creation of an independent “Digital Literacy Corner” program by Karang Taruna Bermuda 3. The program was designed as a sustainable educational space to strengthen positive social communication and improve digital literacy within the local community.
Researchers emphasized that interactive learning media such as videos, simulations, and educational games played a major role in increasing teenagers’ motivation and participation. These methods reduced psychological barriers to public speaking while encouraging more ethical and reflective communication behavior.
The mentoring program also stressed the importance of building trust and motivation among Generation Z in dealing with digital information disruption. Teenagers were encouraged not only to become social media users but also to act as responsible and ethical content creators within their communities.
The study concluded that community-based mentoring can effectively strengthen teenagers’ social communication character. The integration of digital literacy, communication ethics, and public speaking training was identified as an important strategy for preparing young people to face communication challenges in the digital era.
Author Profiles
- Muhlis Fajar Wicaksana – Universitas Veteran Bangun Nusantara; bidang keahlian literasi digital, komunikasi sosial, dan pendidikan bahasa.
- Pardyatmoko – Universitas Veteran Bangun Nusantara.
- Sri Muryati – Universitas Veteran Bangun Nusantara.
- Suparmin – Universitas Veteran Bangun Nusantara.
- Sukarno – Universitas Veteran Bangun Nusantara.
- Citra Trihandayani – Universitas Veteran Bangun Nusantara.
- Wahyu Setiawati – Universitas Veteran Bangun Nusantara.
- Septi Ayu Saputri – Universitas Veteran Bangun Nusantara.
- Faradina Safitri Kusumaningrum – Universitas Veteran Bangun Nusantara.
Research Source
Wicaksana, M. F., Pardyatmoko, Muryati, S., Suparmin, Sukarno, Trihandayani, C., Setiawati, W., Saputri, S. A., & Kusumaningrum, F. S. (2026). Community-Based Mentoring in Improving Adolescents' Speaking Skills and Social Communication Character in the Digital Era. Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Bestari (JPMB), Vol. 5 No. 4, April 2026, pp. 315–322.
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