The Impact of Social Media on the Morality of Minors from the Perspective of Religious Education in Kelebuh Village, Kebon Alit Hamlet

Abstract

The rapid expansion of social media has transformed children's communication, learning, and social interaction while raising concerns about its implications for moral development. This study aimed to examine social-media use among minors, its impact on their moral development, and the role of parents and religious education in preventing negative effects in Kelebuh Village, Kebon Alit Hamlet, Central Lombok Regency, Indonesia. A qualitative approach with a case study design was employed from November 2025 to May 2026. Data were collected through observations, semi-structured interviews, and documentation involving nine minors aged 7–13 years, parents, a Qur'anic teacher, and a community leader. Data were analyzed through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification, supported by source, technique, and time triangulation. The findings indicate that minors used social media for approximately 2–4 hours on school days and 5–6 hours during holidays, primarily for entertainment, communication, information, gaming, and learning. Social media provided positive opportunities for knowledge acquisition, communication, and access to religious materials, but excessive use was associated with decreased learning discipline, delayed prayer, reduced concentration in Qur'anic learning, changes in speech and behavior, and diminished family, peer, and community interaction. Parental supervision, religious education, Qur'anic learning, and community support were important mechanisms for mitigating these negative influences. The study concludes that social media is not inherently detrimental to children's morality; its effects depend substantially on usage patterns, supervision, and value-based guidance.