PENGARUH PERMAINAN GAME ONLINE FREE FIRE TERHADAP MORAL ANAK DI ERA DIGITAL STUDI KASUS DI KALANGAN SEKOLAH DASAR NEGERI KAYANGAN 1

Abstract

This study is entitled "The Influence of Free Fire Online Game on Children's Morals in the Digital Era (Case Study at SDN Kayangan 1. The development of digital technology has brought significant changes in children's behavior patterns, one of which is through online game play. Free Fire is one of the games that is widely played by children, including elementary school students. This study aims to analyze the influence of the Free Fire game on children's morals in the digital era, focusing on aspects of children's behavior and speech at SDN Kayangan 1. This study uses a quantitative method with a pre-experimental research design. Data collection techniques are carried out through questionnaires, observations, and documentation. The sample in this study were students of SDN Kayangan 1 who played the Free Fire game, who were selected using random sampling techniques. Data analysis was carried out using the Mann-Whitney test to compare the differences in the morals of children who played and did not play Free Fire. The results showed that there was a significant influence between the intensity of playing Free Fire and children's morals. Children who play more often tend to experience changes in social behavior, such as increased use of harsh language, decreased levels of discipline, and reduced social interaction with peers. The results of the Mann-Whitney U statistical test showed a significant difference in morality between the groups of children who played and did not play Free Fire with an Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) value of 0.000 (<0.05), which indicates that this game has an effect on children's morals.This finding underlines the importance of the role of parents and teachers in supervising and controlling children's online game playing time. Further regulation and education are recommended regarding the wise use of online games so as not to have a negative impact on children's moral development in the digital era.