Mimbar Ilmu
Vol. 31 No. 1 (2026): April

Moral Decadence of Adolescents in the Digital Era: Ethical Challenges and Character Education Strategies in Senior High Schools

Sulaiman (Program Magister Pendidikan Agama Islam, Universitas Islam Nusantara Al-Azhaar, Lubuklinggau, Indonesia)
Dwi Sri Wahyuni (Program Magister Pendidikan Agama Islam, Universitas Islam Nusantara Al-Azhaar, Lubuklinggau, Indonesia)
Karno Susanto (Program Magister Pendidikan Agama Islam, Universitas Islam Nusantara Al-Azhaar, Lubuklinggau, Indonesia)
Nurkholisah (Program Magister Pendidikan Agama Islam, Universitas Islam Nusantara Al-Azhaar, Lubuklinggau, Indonesia)
Muslih Hidayat (Program Magister Pendidikan Agama Islam, Universitas Islam Nusantara Al-Azhaar, Lubuklinggau, Indonesia)
Noorseha Ayob (Assistant Professor, Tun Razak Graduate School (TRGS), Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Apr 2026

Abstract

This research is motivated by the increasing phenomenon of moral decadence among adolescents, a result of the influence of modernization and digitalization, which causes a decline in the values of empathy, responsibility, and self-control. The purpose of this study is to analyze adolescents' digital behavior, understand its impact on moral development, and formulate effective character education strategies within the high school context. This research uses a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design. The research subjects consisted of teachers and students who were selected purposively based on the intensity of gadget use and involvement in digital activities. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and documentation, then analyzed using Miles and Huberman's interactive model. The results of the study show that excessive digital behavior lowers moral sensitivity and triggers the emergence of moral disengagement mechanisms. However, reflective literacy activities, collaborative learning, and religious arts can help re-cultivate ethical awareness and positive character. This study highlights the importance of integrating digital moral literacy and teacher role models to enhance the moral integrity of adolescents in the digital era.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

MI

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

Mimbar Ilmu is published by Research and Community Service Institution Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha. Mimbar Ilmu aims at becoming the publication center of education researches in instruction, learning and teaching, curriculum development, learning environment, teacher education, educational ...