Criticism Without Conflict: A Safe and Legal Approach for Students to Express Their Opinions

Abstract

This Community Service Program aims to improve students’ understanding of how to express opinions safely, legally, politely, and responsibly, particularly in the context of school life and digital spaces. The background of this activity is based on the importance of freedom of expression as a constitutional right guaranteed under Article 28E paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. However, in practice, this right is often misunderstood, potentially leading to conflict, hate speech, defamation, and legal violations on social media. This activity was conducted at SMA Integral Hidayatullah, Batam City, through an interactive legal counseling method consisting of preliminary observation, material preparation, coordination with the school, material presentation, discussion, case studies, educational quizzes, and evaluation. The materials delivered covered the concept of freedom of expression, its legal basis, legal limitations in expressing opinions, communication ethics, and practical steps for students to express criticism without causing conflict. The results of the activity showed an increase in students’ understanding of their rights and responsibilities in expressing opinions. This was reflected in the participants’ enthusiasm during the question-and-answer session, their success in answering evaluative questions, and interviews with the school, which indicated a positive impact on students’ legal awareness. Thus, this PkM activity successfully provided an educational contribution to shaping students who are critical, democratic, legally aware, and able to express their aspirations wisely in accordance with applicable norms.