<![CDATA[Cross-gender interaction in Islamic junior high schools exists at the intersection of religious moral values and the social needs of adolescents. This study aims to map cross-gender interaction practices at SMP Ma'arif NU 1 Purwokerto, explain the social dynamics involved in establishing moral boundaries and school supervision, and assess the implications for character education. A qualitative approach was employed, utilizing observation, interviews, and documentation. Informants included Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers, guidance counselors, homeroom teachers, students, and parents. The findings indicate that the school restricts interaction through seating arrangements, the grouping of students for learning activities, and strict teacher supervision. However, students engage in covert negotiations by taking advantage of spaces and moments where supervision is lax. The school collaborates with parents through regular quarterly meetings. The greatest challenge is mobile phone usage in the digital era, which is addressed by a ban on bringing phones to school without permission. Solutions implemented include strengthening religious character through *Dhuha* prayers and the recitation of the *Asmaul Husna* (the Beautiful Names of Allah). The study concludes that cross-gender interaction is a complex social process involving tensions between school moral rules, adolescent social needs, and the negotiation of student identity.]]>
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