Experience of Playing the “Buddy Pekerti” Board Game as an Educational Communication Medium in Reducing Bullying Behavior: A Phenomenological Study of University Students in Yogyakarta

Abstract

Bullying in education remains closely related and requires collaborative efforts across all stakeholders to suppress and even eliminate it. Bullying can impact both the perpetrator and the victim psychologically, mentally, and morally. Victims of bullying often report feeling alone, friendless, and unheard, leading to feelings of helplessness. The Buddy Pekerti board game serves as an educational tool for communicating safely and comfortably with others. The research method used was qualitative, with primary data collected through in-depth interviews with students in Yogyakarta to determine the meaning of their experiences playing the Buddy Pekerti board game. Secondary data were collected from literature reviews, including books, journal articles, and other supporting sources. The results of this study indicate that when playing this board game, each individual feels a safe space to share their experiences with others without fear of being judged for their one-sided experiences.