The North Jakarta Empowerment, Child Protection, and Population Control (PPAPP) Sub-agency provided education on preventing violence against children during the School Orientation Program (MPLS) at SMAN 72 Jakarta, Jalan Prihatin, Kelapa Gading Barat Urban Village, Kelapa Gading Sub-district.

The initiative also takes place simultaneously across North Jakarta's six sub-districts from July 13 to 17, 2026, reaching students at public and private elementary, junior high, and senior high schools. It aims to create a safe, supportive, and violence-free school environment from the start of the new academic year.

"This year, our main focus is adolescent mental health, which is closely related to bullying prevention, said Nurjanah, Head of Child Protection Section of the North Jakarta PPAPP Sub-agency, on Wednesday (7/15).

She explained that the program carries the theme "PEDULI", acronym for friendship, empathy, support, speak up, and protect children. Through the campaign, students are encouraged to care for one another and speak up about the problems they face.

"We also want students to support one another in creating a positive school environment," she emphasized.

She added that mental health is an important issue that students need to understand from an early age because it affects adolescent development and helps create a positive learning environment.

"We want children to understand the importance of maintaining good mental health from an early age, become good listeners for their peers, and build positive friendships so violence in schools can be prevented," she highlighted.

Nurjanah said the PPAPP Sub-agency worked with various partners, including Family Planning Counselors (PKB), PUSPA personnel, the Technical Implementation Unit for Women and Children Protection (UPT PPA), and the Speak Up Now community.

"The program also involves the Environment Agency, which provides waste sorting education, and Satpol PP through its Satpol PP Goes to School program," she added.

In addition to educational sessions, students also received information about complaint channels and support services available if they experience or witness violence or bullying at school.

"We provide students with information on complaint channels and support services if they or their classmates need assistance," she explained.

Muhammad Efendi, a teacher and member of the School Orientation Program committee at SMAN 72 Jakarta, welcomed the school's selection as one of the program venues.

According to him, the materials were highly relevant in helping new students build mutual respect and create a safe learning environment from their first day of school.

"We are grateful that our school was selected to host this program. The students were also very enthusiastic. We hope this initiative will continue in the future," he said.

Meanwhile, 14-year-old tenth-grade student Putri Adinda said she learned many new things, including the butterfly hug, a simple self-soothing technique that helps people calm themselves and recognize their emotions.

"We learned how to manage our emotions, the importance of empathy, and where to seek help if we need professional support, such as from a psychologist," she noted.