Akidah Akhlak Teacher Strategies In Preventing Verbal Bullying In Religious Program MAN 1 Jember

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the strategies employed by Akidah Akhlak teachers in preventing verbal bullying through the cultivation of noble character (akhlakul karimah) in the Religious Program (MAN-PK) at MAN 1 Jember. A qualitative approach with a descriptive case study design was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, participant observations, and document analysis involving Akidah Akhlak teachers, guidance counselors, boarding school wardens, and MAN-PK students. Data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model. The findings revealed that verbal bullying manifested through derogatory name calling based on physical traits or regional dialects, public humiliation, and belittling peers occurred in both classroom and dormitory settings. To address these behaviors, Akidah Akhlak teachers implemented three primary strategies: exemplary role modeling (uswah hasanah), narrative based moral instruction, and daily spiritual habituation, complemented by contextual case discussions on bullying. Perpetrator management utilized a persuasive, educational, and affective restorative approach featuring empathetic counseling and reflective writing exercises. These initiatives were reinforced through systematic collaboration among educators, guidance counselors, and parents, and were embedded into institutional policy through the Madrasah Anti-Bully movement. Documented evaluation records and observations indicated a substantial reduction in verbal bullying incidents alongside a noticeable improvement in students perceived emotional and physical safety within the boarding environment. This study concludes that the integrated, collaborative cultivation of akhlakul karimah provides a meaningful framework for strengthening internal moral control and fostering a safe, harmonious boarding school environment.