BUILDING STUDENTS’ DIGITAL SECURITY AWARENESS THROUGH PRACTICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING AT SMA SEMINARI MERTOYUDAN MAGELANG

Abstract

The increasing engagement of adolescents in digital environments presents various risks, including cyberbullying, the dissemination of unverified information, personal data theft, account hijacking, and the unauthorized use of photos and videos. These conditions highlight the importance of strengthening digital security beyond technical skills to include awareness, decision-making, and responsible technology use. This Community Service Program aimed to provide education and practical training to strengthen students’ digital security awareness at SMA Seminari Mertoyudan Magelang. The program involved 207 students and was implemented through instructional sessions, interactive discussions, case studies, simulations, practical exercises, and a post-test followed by program evaluation. The training covered digital threats, account security, personal data protection, cyberbullying, the role of the school environment, and digital pressure and adolescent mental health. The results indicated strengthened students’ understanding of digital security risks and basic account protection measures. Students’ active participation in discussions, case studies, and simulations also demonstrated that a practical approach helped them relate digital security concepts to their everyday technology use. In the context of SMA Seminari Mertoyudan, digital security also has an ethical dimension that aligns with the values of honesty, discipline, responsibility, and respect for others embedded in the formatio process. Thus, digital security education and practical training that integrate knowledge, skills, and ethical responsibility represent a relevant approach to fostering safe, wise, and responsible digital behavior among students.