<![CDATA[Adolescent development is strongly influenced by peer relationships, school environments, and social interactions that may encourage either positive or negative behavior. This community service activity aimed to strengthen students’ character and courage to reject negative environmental influences through an educational seminar entitled “Dare to Be Different in the Current” at SMPN 02 Pontang Serang. The activity was conducted on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, involving ninth-grade students. The implementation method included preparation, coordination with the school, educational material delivery, interactive discussions, question-and-answer sessions, character reinforcement, and evaluation of participant responses. Two speakers, Jagat Satria Abdurohkhman and Andriyan Syah, S.Pd., delivered materials focusing on character development, responsible decision-making, self-confidence, positive peer relationships, and strategies for responding to negative invitations. The activity received positive support from the school principal and active participation from students. The results indicated that the seminar provided students with additional understanding regarding the importance of maintaining positive behavior, selecting supportive social environments, and having the courage to make responsible decisions. The activity is expected to serve as an initial effort to strengthen character education and prevent negative adolescent behavior through continuous collaboration between schools, teachers, students, and community partners. Adolescent development is strongly influenced by peer relationships, school environments, and social interactions that may encourage either positive or negative behavior. This community service activity aimed to strengthen students’ character and courage to reject negative environmental influences through an educational seminar entitled “Dare to Be Different in the Current” at SMPN 02 Pontang Serang. The activity was conducted on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, involving ninth-grade students. The implementation method included preparation, coordination with the school, educational material delivery, interactive discussions, question-and-answer sessions, character reinforcement, and evaluation of participant responses. Two speakers, Jagat Satria Abdurohkhman and Andriyan Syah, S.Pd., delivered materials focusing on character development, responsible decision-making, self-confidence, positive peer relationships, and strategies for responding to negative invitations. The activity received positive support from the school principal and active participation from students. The results indicated that the seminar provided students with additional understanding regarding the importance of maintaining positive behavior, selecting supportive social environments, and having the courage to make responsible decisions. The activity is expected to serve as an initial effort to strengthen character education and prevent negative adolescent behavior through continuous collaboration between schools, teachers, students, and community partners.]]>
