Islamic Religious Counselor Urges Students to Build Positive Self-Identity and Avoid Negative Associations

Demak – Anis Sa’adah, Islamic Religious Counselor for Mranggen Subdistrict, encouraged students to build a positive self-identity and stay away from negative social interactions during their teenage years.

She made the statement during an educational event on preventing child marriage at SMP Negeri 1 Mranggen on Tuesday (9/6/2026).

In her presentation, Anis explained that adolescence is a phase of identity search and self-potential discovery. During this period, teenagers tend to follow trends, idolize certain figures, seek recognition, and care more about the opinions of their peers.

“Teenagers today are in the process of finding their identity. Therefore, it is important for them to have good life guidelines so they are not easily influenced by negative environments,” she said.

She emphasized that today’s teenagers face quite complex challenges, ranging from imitating inappropriate role models, consumerist behavior, negative social circles, to violating norms. For that reason, teenagers need a strong foundation of values and character in their daily lives.

According to her, Islam can serve as the main identity and life guide for teenagers in facing the various challenges of the times. By sincerely practicing religious teachings, teenagers will not experience identity crises or confusion in determining the direction of their lives.

“If children have a strong religious foundation, they will find it easier to distinguish between what is good and what is not good for their future,” she said.

She also invited students to discover their identity through positive activities such as seeking good role models, participating in beneficial activities, expanding their knowledge, and befriending positive environments.

She stressed that the role of the family is very important in shaping a child’s character. A good relationship between parents and children can help teenagers grow with a positive and confident self-identity.

“Parents and the environment must be present to accompany the children so they grow into a generation with good morals, self-confidence, and the ability to develop their potential,” she added.

In addition, she reminded the students that the purpose of human life is to worship Allah Ta'ala, as stated in QS. Adz-Dzariyat verse 56. This worship is not only through prayer and fasting, but also through honesty, politeness, devotion to parents, and helping others.