Pengaruh Permainan Ular Tangga Bermuatan Anti-Bullying terhadap Emosional Anak

Abstract

The significant increase in bullying cases in elementary schools over the past five years highlights the urgency of implementing preventive strategies that address children’s emotional aspects. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an educational board game—Snakes and Ladders infused with anti-bullying values—in reducing negative affect and enhancing positive affect among children. Seven fourth- grade students from MI Muhammadiyah 01 Klamalu (aged 10–11 years) participated through purposive sampling. The study employed a one-group pretest-posttest quasi- experimental design using the PANAS-C (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule – Child Form) as the instrument. The intervention was conducted in a single 90-minute session, in which each square on the board contained a challenge or educational message related to friendship, empathy, self-awareness, and confidence. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. Results indicated no significant difference in positive affect (Z = -0.213, p = 0.832), but a significant reduction in negative affect (Z = -2.120, p = 0.034). These findings suggest that socially themed educational games can effectively reduce children’s negative emotions, serving as a preventive measure against bullying in elementary school settings.