Bantul – Students from the Pancasila and Civic Education (PPKn) Study Program, Faculty of Social Sciences, Law, and Political Science, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), recently organized a community engagement program titled "Learning Assistance and Digital Literacy for Children" at Sanggar Anak Tumbuh in Bantul. The initiative forms part of a project-based SDGs learning program designed to support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education by strengthening digital literacy among children.
The program was carried out in collaboration with the Bantul Bergerak Community and Sanggar Anak Tumbuh in response to the increasing use of digital devices among school-age children without sufficient understanding of online risks or healthy technology use. To address this issue, the UNY students delivered engaging, child-friendly educational activities that encouraged participants to use technology more wisely and responsibly.
The project was implemented by seven PPKn students—Wiwin Heliyana, Mahriza Aulia, Aminatun Qoyimah, Rizka Intan Amalia Novta, Rahardian Rizky Wibowo, Luna Maya, and Nisrina Naila Mumtaza—under the supervision of Eko Swi Darmawan, M.Pd.
The program began with the screening of an educational video highlighting the dangers of excessive gadget use, followed by an interactive discussion with the children. Participants explored the effects of excessive smartphone use on physical health, social interaction, and learning performance.
The digital literacy session was then facilitated by Rizka Intan Amalia Novta together with Alifia from the Bantul Bergerak Community. During the session, children learned how to use the internet safely, identify misinformation and fake news, understand responsible social media behavior, and recognize the importance of managing daily screen time in accordance with health recommendations.
To complement the educational sessions, the organizers also conducted a creative collage workshop led by Nisrina Naila Mumtaza and Mahriza Aulia. Through cutting and pasting activities, the children were introduced to enjoyable alternatives to screen-based entertainment while developing their creativity and fine motor skills.
Atina, Founder of Sanggar Anak Tumbuh, expressed her appreciation for the program.
"The children were very enthusiastic and actively participated throughout the activities. I hope today's experience encourages them to use their mobile phones more wisely and productively," she said.
Faculty supervisor Eko Swi Darmawan, M.Pd., emphasized that SDG-based community engagement initiatives such as this are expected to create tangible benefits for society while fostering students' social awareness of educational challenges within local communities.
In addition to supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education), the program also contributes to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by expanding access to digital literacy education for children in community settings. Looking ahead, the digital literacy materials will also be shared with parents through the community's WhatsApp groups and partner social media platforms, extending the program's educational impact beyond the participating children.
Through this initiative, UNY's Civic Education students demonstrated their commitment to promoting inclusive, high-quality, and sustainable education in line with the vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
