PUPPETS FOR UNDERSTANDING, RESPECT, PROTECTION AND LEARNING SEX EDUCATION BERBASIS PROJECT DALAM PENCEGAHAN PELECEHAN SEKSUAL ANAK

Abstract

The rate of violence against children aged 6–12 years remains high at 20%, with 17.8% of these cases occurring in elementary schools. This situation highlights the importance of early sex education to prevent deviant behavior and sexual violence. Unfortunately, this topic is still considered taboo in Indonesia. One effective educational innovation is the PURPLE Program (Puppets for Understanding, Respect, Protection, and Learning Sex Education) implemented at Kasihan Public Elementary School. This program uses cartoon puppets and human puppets as a means of learning that is interesting and easy for children to understand. The activity was attended by 30 participants, consisting of teachers and 3rd-4th grade students, through three main sessions: joint education, student agent mentoring, and teacher mentoring. The evaluation results showed an increase in participants' knowledge from 33% in the pre-test to 83% in the post-test, indicating a significant improvement in understanding of self-protection and sexuality education. The formation of the “Kami Sahabat” (We Are Friends) and “Guru Fasilitator PURPLE” (PURPLE Facilitator Teachers) groups also strengthened the sustainability of the program in the school environment. Overall, this activity proved that a culture-based and participatory approach not only increases knowledge but also shapes character, social empathy, and critical thinking skills in children.

Keywords: Puppets, Education, Prevention, Sexual Abuse, Children