Managerial Strategies of Islamic Religious Education Teachers in Preventing Bullying: A Case Study of Public Junior High School Students in Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract

This study aims to describe and analyze the forms of bullying behavior, as well as the planning, implementation, and evaluation of strategies employed by Islamic Education (PAI) teachers in preventing bullying, while also identifying the challenges encountered in implementing these strategies in public junior high schools in Southeast Sulawesi. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis. The findings indicate that: (1) the forms of bullying found in public junior high schools in Southeast Sulawesi include verbal, physical, social/relational, and cyberbullying, each manifested through various behaviors; (2) the planning of PAI teachers’ strategies is carried out through the integration of Islamic values into instruction, the development of structured character education programs, and collaboration with various school stakeholders; (3) the implementation of these strategies involves two main approaches within classroom learning and through schoolwide activities strengthened by cross-sector collaboration among school personnel; (4) evaluation is conducted through behavioral observations, mentoring, progress documentation, safety climate surveys, and periodic reflections; and (5) the main challenges originate from students’ internal factors, school-related constraints, and external influences such as peer interactions, digital media exposure, cyberbullying, and limited parental supervision and communication. The implications of this study highlight the need to strengthen social-emotional learning, integrate religious values into character education, and expand positive schoolwide routines through collaboration among all school members. Strong partnerships between schools and parents are essential for sustainable prevention efforts, while the rise of cyberbullying demands enhanced digital literacy and ethical media use among students.