MALANG, JurnalPost.com – The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) of Malang Regency, in collaboration with Communication Science lecturers from the Universitas Pembangunan Nasional (UPN) “Veteran” East Java, is providing mentorship to middle school (SMP) students in Malang Regency to strengthen their communication and leadership skills in the effort to prevent drug abuse.
This activity is part of a series of Anti-Drug Peer Educator Training sessions 2026 involving selected students from several middle schools under the guidance of BNN Malang Regency.
Through mentorship themed “Leadership Communication in Building SIGAB Peer Teens as Anti-Drug Agents of Change”, participants are encouraged to become agents of change capable of exerting a positive influence on their peers and school environment.
This program stems from the understanding that preventing drug abuse among adolescents cannot rely solely on socialization regarding the dangers of narcotics. Active involvement of adolescents, especially within their social circles, is a crucial factor in building awareness and healthy living habits.
Strengthening the Role of Peers in Drug Prevention
Friendship circles have a significant influence on the formation of character, habits, and decision-making among adolescents. Healthy friendships can provide a space for mutual support, while group pressure or peer pressure that is negative has the potential to encourage risky behavior.
Therefore, students are equipped with an understanding of the importance of building supportive social relationships, choosing healthy social circles, and having the courage to refuse invitations that could harm themselves or others.
This mentorship also positions leadership communication as one of the primary skills that adolescents need to possess.
Leadership is not always related to formal positions, such as class president or student council member. The ability to be a good listener, set an example, express opinions appropriately, and invite friends to engage in positive activities are also forms of leadership in daily life.
Through this approach, participants are expected to be able to convey anti-drug messages in a way that is closer to the lives of adolescents, without appearing patronizing or judgmental.
Empathetic Communication is Key to Building Positive Influence
Dian Hutami Rahmawati, M.Med.Kom., a Communication Science lecturer at UPN “Veteran” East Java and a mentor for the activity, explained that peers have a strategic position in shaping awareness and positive behavior among adolescents.
“Adolescents have the power to influence one another. Therefore, we need to encourage them to be a positive influence on their environment. Being an anti-drug agent of change does not mean always giving advice to friends, but rather how they can set an example, build open communication, and have the courage to invite their friends to choose healthy social circles and activities,” explained Dian.
According to her, communication skills are an important asset for adolescents to build trust in friendships.
Anti-drug messages will be more easily accepted if conveyed through an approach that is empathetic, open, and in line with the characteristics of peers.
Dian also emphasized that leadership can grow from the courage to take initiative and the ability to have a positive impact on the surrounding environment.
“A leader in a peer environment is someone who is able to mobilize, not force; able to invite, not judge. Through empathetic and persuasive communication, adolescents can build trust so that anti-drug prevention messages are more easily accepted by their friends,” she added.
Through this understanding, students are not only directed to have the courage to say no to drugs, but are also able to invite their friends to develop more beneficial habits and activities.
Encouraging SIGAB Teens to Become Agents of Change at School
The mentorship organized with BNN Malang Regency is expected to strengthen the capacity of students as peer educators capable of spreading anti-drug messages through effective communication.
Participants are expected to develop leadership skills, increase sensitivity to the conditions of their social environment, and possess a sense of responsibility in creating a safe and supportive school atmosphere.
The presence of SIGAB teens is also expected to encourage the formation of a culture of mutual care in the school environment. Thus, efforts to prevent drug abuse will not only be the responsibility of teachers, parents, or related institutions, but will also involve adolescents as agents of change.
This program also demonstrates the importance of collaboration between government institutions and universities in providing education and character strengthening to the younger generation.
Supporting the Achievement of SDGs through Adolescent Education and Health
In addition to focusing on the prevention of drug abuse, this activity also supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically the third goal regarding healthy lives and well-being or Good Health and Well-being.
This effort is realized through increasing adolescent awareness about the importance of maintaining health, avoiding drug abuse, and building a social environment that supports collective well-being.
This activity is also in line with SDG 4 regarding quality education or Quality Education, through the strengthening of communication skills, leadership, and social learning for students.
Through the collaboration between BNN Malang Regency and Communication Science lecturers at UPN “Veteran” East Java, this mentorship is expected to be a sustainable step in forming a young generation that is brave enough to make positive decisions, possesses social awareness, and is capable of being a driver for a social environment free from drug abuse.
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