Be a Buddy, Not a Bully: Fostering Empathy in the Digital Age Through Psychoeducation at Al Azhar 9 IES Bekasi

By Lusia Erli Suryandani

"If we're just joking in a WhatsApp group, does that count as bullying?"

This thoughtful question came from one of the Grade 6 students during a psychoeducation session at Al Azhar 9 IES Bekasi. Although simple, it reflects one of the growing challenges children face in today's digital world. As technology becomes an integral part of daily life, the line between harmless jokes and harmful behavior is often blurred. Teasing, social media comments, and messages in online group chats may seem insignificant, yet they can leave lasting emotional impacts on those who receive them.

Recognizing the importance of digital empathy and positive social interaction, Al Azhar 9 IES Bekasi organized a psychoeducation program entitled "Be a Buddy, Not a Bully: Building Positive Friendships On and Offline" on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Hall 1, Al Azhar 9 IES Bekasi, West Java. The event brought together 105 Grade 6 students and was facilitated by Lusia Erli Suryandani, Farah Azzahra Marsudi, and Shabrina Ayu Maswati.

The program aimed to raise students' awareness of healthy friendships, empathy, respect, and the importance of preventing both bullying and cyberbullying in school and digital environments.

From the very beginning, students showed remarkable enthusiasm and curiosity. Interactive activities—including emotion-recognition games, group discussions, educational videos, and quizzes—encouraged active participation throughout the session. These engaging learning experiences helped students understand that genuine friendship is not simply about spending time together, but also about respecting differences, showing kindness, and creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

Students were then introduced to the many forms of bullying commonly encountered in everyday life. They learned that bullying extends beyond physical aggression. Mocking someone's appearance, making fun of family members, excluding classmates from social groups, publicly humiliating others, or spreading rumors are all forms of bullying that can seriously affect a person's emotional well-being and self-confidence.

Through open discussions, many students admitted that they had never realized certain jokes they considered harmless could actually hurt their friends' feelings. This moment of reflection became one of the most meaningful outcomes of the session.

The discussion then shifted to cyberbullying, an increasingly relevant issue as children's social interactions expand into digital spaces. When facilitators asked who owned a smartphone, participated in WhatsApp groups, played online games, or used social media platforms, nearly every student raised a hand. This highlighted the importance of developing responsible digital citizenship from an early age.

To help students become more mindful online, the facilitators introduced the THINK Principle, encouraging students to ask themselves five questions before posting or sending a message:

• T – Is it True?
• H – Is it Helpful?
• I – Is it Inspiring?
• N – Is it Necessary?
• K – Is it Kind?

These simple questions reminded students that every word shared online has consequences. Digital footprints may be invisible, but their impact can last for years.

Beyond recognizing bullying, students were encouraged to become upstanders—individuals who choose to take positive action when witnessing bullying rather than remaining silent. They learned that being an upstander does not necessarily mean confronting the bully directly. Small yet meaningful actions such as comforting the victim, refusing to join in hurtful behavior, saving evidence of cyberbullying, and reporting incidents to trusted adults can make a significant difference.

One of the most inspiring moments of the program occurred when students began sharing their own experiences and perspectives. The discussion became increasingly dynamic as several students acknowledged that jokes they once considered harmless might have hurt others. Some even expressed their determination to stand up for friends who experience bullying instead of simply watching or laughing along.

These reflections demonstrated that empathy already exists within children—it simply needs opportunities to grow. Through programs like "Be a Buddy, Not a Bully," Al Azhar 9 IES Bekasi continues to nurture compassionate, responsible, and digitally aware learners who are prepared to build positive relationships both inside and outside the classroom.

As part of its commitment to holistic education, Al Azhar 9 IES Bekasi believes that character development is just as important as academic excellence. By empowering students with empathy, digital responsibility, and respectful communication, the school is preparing future leaders who are ready to contribute positively to an increasingly connected world.