THE IMPACT OF THE INSTAGRAM-BASED EDUCATION PROGRAM @KNOWDRUGS_FIA IN INCREASING AWARENESS OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN KENDARI

Abstract

Drug abuse in Indonesia is a critical issue, with millions of students affected in 2018. The city of Kendari shows a high prevalence, particularly among high school students, where use often begins at age 15. This study aims to describe in depth the changes in high school students' awareness of the dangers of drug abuse in Kendari after participating in an Instagram-based education program @knowdrugs_fia. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this study involved 45 students selected through random sampling. Data were collected using pre-test and post-test instruments to explore students' initial understanding and changes in perception after the intervention. Descriptive analysis results showed that at the pre-test stage, students' understanding tended to be low to moderate, with only 44.4% having good awareness. After participating in the @knowdrugs_fia program, post-test results showed a significant shift in understanding, with 86.7% of students achieving a good level of awareness. This study confirms that digital platforms like Instagram have the potential to serve as relevant and effective educational tools for enhancing teenagers' awareness of social issues like drugs in the digital age.