Ensuring Digital Safety for Students through Legal Measures Against Hoaxes and Cyberbullying

Abstract

This Community Service Program (PkM) was carried out at Senior High School 1 Batam to strengthen students’ legal literacy and awareness of digital safety, particularly in addressing hoaxes and cyberbullying. Implemented through structured stages—preparation, execution, and evaluation—the program combined legal counseling, interactive discussions, and practical learning tools such as presentations, posters, and handouts. The results revealed that students gained improved understanding of the legal framework under the ITE Law and Criminal Code, alongside greater awareness of the risks posed by digital misconduct, including emerging threats such as deepfakes. Teachers and students confirmed that participatory and case-based methods enhanced both engagement and comprehension. Beyond immediate outcomes, the program produced sustainable outputs, including educational modules and an academic article, contributing to the promotion of responsible digital citizenship. Overall, this initiative demonstrates the crucial role of legal education in bridging the gap between legal norms and students’ everyday digital experiences.