By : Rivka Mayangsari*)
The digital era has brought many benefits, but one of the challenges you need to be aware of is online gambling or what we usually call Judol. Online gambling has not only penetrated the general public, but has also entered the educational environment and threatens the future of Indonesia’s young generation. Online gambling has grown rapidly along with technological advances. Online gambling platforms offer a wide variety of games, from poker, sports betting, to casino games. Easy access via smartphones and the internet makes online gambling increasingly popular with various groups, including students and university students.
The Ministry of Communication and Information stated that the majority of victims of judol circulation were children aged 17-20 years. This year there were four cases of suicide recorded as a result of being entangled in judol. A Cianjur student, for example, was caught distributing marijuana with the motive of paying for loans and judol. Online gambling is starting to spread into the educational environment, which is very worrying for parents and teachers. This is because it can damage students’ morals and future. The educational environment should be a safe and conducive place for learning, not a place for destructive activities such as gambling.
The Principal of Pekanbaru City 13 Public Middle School, Zurdianto, said that the school has taken precautions, especially for prospective students who will enter, so that there are no children who are indicated to have disgraceful behavior, especially in religion where this is prohibited. In fact, both online and offline gambling are basically haram. This activity can bring bad things to the lives of the people involved in this game. Moreover, judol players are tempted just to get short profits or just to get satisfaction. This actually illustrates the weakness of people’s faith.
Online gambling can cause students to lose focus on lessons. Time that should be used for studying and doing schoolwork is wasted playing online gambling. As a result, their academic performance declines. Students who engage in online gambling often spend their pocket money on betting. Even worse, some people steal or borrow money at high interest rates to meet their gambling needs. This not only harms them financially, but also triggers other social problems. Online gambling addiction can cause stress, depression and anxiety. Students who lose at online gambling tend to feel hopeless and frustrated, which can have a negative impact on their mental health.
Acting Mayor of Malang, Wahyu Hidayat has given instructions to the Malang City Education and Culture Service (Disdikbud) to check all students’ cellphones (cellphones) in stages. This was done to eradicate the practice of judol in Malang City, especially in school environments.
Easily accessible internet and anonymity make online gambling attractive to students. They can play anytime and anywhere without parents or teachers knowing. Online gambling platforms often promise fast and big profits. This tempts students who want to earn money instantly without much effort. Students are often influenced by their friends to try online gambling. They may feel compelled to join so as not to feel left behind or excluded from their social group.
It is important to educate students about the dangers of online gambling. Schools and universities must intensify meetings, such as holding seminars and workshops that provide information about the negative impacts of online gambling. Not only teachers and educational staff, parents and school committees are also expected to play an active role in this prevention effort. Parents need to be involved in this socialization so they can monitor their children’s activities at home. Schools and parents need to work together in monitoring students’ use of gadgets and the internet. Using monitoring applications or internet filters can help limit access to online gambling sites. The government and educational institutions need to implement strict regulations to prevent access to online gambling in school environments. For example, blocking online gambling sites on the school or campus internet network.
Students who are already involved in online gambling need psychological support. School counselors must be ready to help students who experience online gambling addiction problems. Therapy and counseling can help them overcome their addiction and refocus on their education. Schools must provide alternative positive activities that are interesting for students. Sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities can be an effective distraction from the temptation of online gambling.
Online gambling is a serious threat to the educational environment. Its devastating impact not only disrupts students’ academic performance, but also their mental and financial health, and even their future. Therefore, all parties, including schools, parents and the government, must work together to overcome this problem. With education, supervision, regulation, psychological support and providing alternative positive activities, we can protect young people from the dangers of online gambling and ensure they have a bright future. Let’s together be aware of and prevent the spread of online gambling in educational environments for the sake of a better future for the younger generation.
*) Social observer