The Concept of "Me and My Friends": A Strategy for Building Healthy Friendships for the Mental Health of Students of SD Inpres Oesapa: Konsep "Aku dan Temanku”: Strategi Membangun Persahabatan Sehat  untuk Kesehatan Jiwa Siswa SD Inpres Oesapa

Sabinus B Kedang; Antonia Helena Hamu; Roswita Victoria Rambu Roku

Authors

Sabinus B Kedang Program Studi DIII Keperawatan Kupang, Poltekkes Kemenkes Kupang
Antonia Helena Hamu Program Studi DIII Keperawatan Kupang, Poltekkes Kemenkes Kupang
Roswita Victoria Rambu Roku Program Studi DIII Keperawatan Kupang, Poltekkes Kemenkes Kupang

Keywords:

Mental health, Healthy friendship, Social skills

Abstract

Mental health in elementary school children is an important aspect of their psychosocial development. However, many elementary schools in Indonesia do not yet have a systematic program to foster healthy friendship building skills. Research shows that children who have close friends are less likely to experience social anxiety and show higher levels of psychological well-being. Community service entitled "Me and My Friends: Strategies for Building Healthy Friendships for Mental Health of Students of SD Inpres Oesapa" aims to educate grade VI students of SD Inpres Oesapa in building healthy friendships. The methods used in this program include identifying needs through initial screening using SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), education and training in social skills through interactive games, group discussions, and social situation simulations, as well as post-activity evaluation and reflection. The results of the activity showed an increase in students' understanding of the values of healthy friendship, positive communication, listening skills, and empathy for peers. The participatory and fun approach proved effective in shaping students' awareness of the importance of healthy friendships. This activity also provided valuable experience for nursing students in applying psychiatric nursing theory in real contexts, in accordance with the principles of transformative education in the Nursing profession curriculum. By actively involving students in the learning process, this program succeeded in creating an inclusive school atmosphere and supporting students' mental health. It is hoped that this program can be a model that can be replicated in other schools to create a mentally and socially healthy young generation

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