This research is motivated by the high level of digital stress among students of SMP Negeri Satu Tompobulu, characterized by anxiety, mental fatigue, and difficulty managing time and focus due to excessive use of digital devices. This study used a quasi-experimental research type with a pretest–posttest control group design. The pretest results showed that twenty-three students (seventy-three percent) were in the high digital stress category, five students (sixteen percent) were in the medium category, and four students (twelve percent) were in the low category. Students with high digital stress exhibited behaviors such as frequently feeling anxious if they did not check their phones, difficulty focusing while studying, easily becoming mentally tired, restless when not online, and being distracted by social media notifications. Meanwhile, students with low digital stress exhibited behaviors that were able to control their phone use, not feeling pressured by notifications, remaining focused while studying, and being able to limit their time using digital media. The application of mindfulness techniques through group counseling carried out through the stages of group formation, session opening and group agreement, identification of emotions, thoughts, and digital stress triggers, providing an introduction to mindfulness, conscious breathing exercises, observing thoughts and feelings without judgment, reflecting on experiences, and evaluating and strengthening coping skills has proven effective in increasing students' self-awareness and reducing digital stress. The posttest results showed a decrease in digital stress scores in the experimental group compared to the control group. Based on the results of statistical tests (paired samples test and independent samples t-test), mindfulness techniques have proven to have a significant effect in reducing digital stress in students of SMP Negeri Satu Tompobulu.
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