Social Worker Goes To School: Prevent Cyberbullying with the Ministry of Social Affairs

JAKARTA (July 16, 2020) – The Directorate General of Social Rehabilitation, Harry Hikmat greeted students at senior high school 2 Kuningan, West Java during the Virtual School Environment Introduction (MPLS) activity through the social worker To School program.

The Directorate of Children's Social Rehabilitation, The Directorate General of Social Rehabilitation developed the Social Worker Goes To School program which is an activity to prevent various problems for children, including at school.

Meanwhile, MPLS is the school's first activity to introduce programs, school facilities and infrastructure, learning methods, concept planting, self-introduction, and early development of school culture. MPLS which has the theme "Building Character and Generation of Achievers in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic", in its implementation in accordance with health protocols.

The implementation of the virtual MPLS at Senior high school 2 Kuningan, which is located at Jalan Aruji Kartawinata Kuningan, on the fourth day, was attended by 360 new 10th grade students.

The Directorate General of Social Rehabilitation, Harry Hikmat, in his direction discussed thoroughly about "Stop Cyberbullying". Harry explained that Cyberbullying or bullying uses telecommunications media such as the internet and telephone and is usually carried out by those who have power to those who are considered weak. For example, senior to junior or popular child to less popular.

"Let's build a better situation and condition. Don't bully back with bullying. Show that we are better and respond with a wise attitude," said Harry.

Furthermore, Harry said that cyberbullying has a mental, emotional and physical impact. Mentally, victims of bullying will feel annoyed, embarrassed, and even feel stupid.

Emotionally impacted, children become irritable and lose interest in things they like. Then, physically on victims of bullying or headaches.

Harry urges, if there are problems with children in the nearest environment, please contact the Children's Social Service Telephone (TePSA) 1500771 or whatsapp to 081238888002. "You don't need to worry, TePSA operators are professional and have a code of ethics," said Harry.

On this occasion, MPLS students were also given ways to use safe social media, including being wise in creating content or choosing photos to upload. In addition, be careful in status updates or commenting on social media.

Harry advised, do not show everything that is private in public. "If there are photos that are personal, consider whether it is appropriate or inappropriate to upload them to social media," said Harry.

Social worker Goes To School targets are junior high school (SMP) and Senior high school (SMA) students. Through this program, it is hoped that little agents of change will emerge as implementers of child abuse prevention.

The implementation of Social Worker Goes To School this time as a series of commemoration of National Children's Day 2020.