PREVENTION OF BULLYING, EARLY MARRIAGE, AND LITERACY ENHANCEMENT FOR STUDENTS ON GERANTING ISLAND

Abstract

Education plays a crucial role as a second home in shaping character, improving literacy, and fostering students' interest in reading. However, the prevalence of bullying and early marriage in schools poses a serious challenge that must be addressed. This study aims to prevent bullying and early marriage and improve students'literacy and reading interest on Geranting Island through an outreach program implemented at Kindergarten 10 Batam, SDN 013 Belakang Padang, and SMPN 33 Batam. A qualitative approach was used, collecting primary data through direct observation and interaction, as well as secondary data from a literature review. The outreach program included anti-bullying education, early marriage prevention, and literacystrengthening using interactive methods involving students and teachers. Results showed increased student awareness of the importance of positive character, the dangers of bullying, the negative impacts of early marriage, and the benefits of literacy and reading interest. Despite obstacles such as participant absences and disruptions to other activities, the program ran smoothly and had a positive impact. Therefore, strengthening- -character education, literacy,and early marriage prevention needs to be continuously developed as an effort to develop a young generation that is independent, critical, and competitive.