A COMMUNITY-BASED “CERIA” PROGRAM TO PREVENT BULLYING AND STRENGTHEN TEENAGERS' MENTAL RESILIENCEIENSI MENTAL REMAJA

Abstract

The CERIA Program was developed in response to the high risk of bullying and adolescent mental-health problems in Yangapi Village, an area with limited access to psychiatric services. This initiative aimed to map the prevalence of bullying and psychosocial difficulties among students at SMP Negeri 5 Tembuku, improve mental-health literacy among students, teachers, and parents, and assess the feasibility of an integrated school-community intervention model. Screening using the SRQ, SDQ, and Olweus Bully Questionnaire for 46 students showed that 52.2% were potential cases, and 30–40% fell within the borderline–abnormal categories in emotional, behavioral, and peer domains. More than half reported experiencing verbal or social bullying, although most demonstrated good prosocial scores. Interventions—including psychoeducation, resilience workshops, relaxation sessions, and psychiatric support—yielded positive outcomes. The CERIA Program was considered feasible and effective in reducing bullying behaviors and strengthening school–family–community support systems. It also produced measurable baseline data and educational outputs (modules, videos, posters) that can be replicated in other schools.