Field Visit to Balai Pelayanan dan Rehabilitasi Sosial Bina Karya dan Laras DIY Unit Bina Laras
The Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through the Center for Life-Span Development (CLSD), in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FKKMK) UGM, successfully organized the CLSD International Summer Course 2026 under the theme “Child and Adolescent in the Digital Age: Safety, Health, and Well-being.” Supported by Hibah Inovasi dan Internasionalisasi Akademik melalui Kursus Singkat Bidang Unggulan Lintas Disiplin (Skema Equity) Tahun Anggaran 2026, the programme was held from 6–17 July 2026, consisting of an online phase followed by an offline programme in Yogyakarta.
Rapid advances in digital technology have transformed the lives of children and adolescents, influencing the way they learn, interact, and develop. Alongside these opportunities, however, the digital environment also presents growing challenges, including risks to mental health, social-emotional development, child safety, and psychosocial well-being.
In response to these challenges, CLSD International Summer Course 2026 was designed as a forum that integrates perspectives from psychology, health sciences, and related disciplines to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of academics, researchers, practitioners, and students in promoting the safety and well-being of children and adolescents in the digital era.
In his opening remarks, Rahmat Hidayat, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Psychology UGM, expressed his hope that the programme would further strengthen a shared commitment to building a safer, healthier, and more supportive world for every child and adolescent.
Opening Remarks by Rahmat Hidayat, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Psychology UGM
Reflecting this commitment, the programme featured 20 speakers from leading universities and institutions. International speakers came from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Ireland, India, Australia, and the Czech Republic. Through lectures, workshops, and interactive discussions, participants explored a wide range of topics, including child and adolescent development, mental health, clinical psychology, public health, inclusive education, community-based interventions, and child protection in digital spaces.
The programme also expanded CLSD’s international academic collaboration network with partner institutions, including the University of Melbourne, University of Limerick, University of Sussex, Leiden University, University of Groningen, University of Ostrava, Mody University of Science and Technology, University of Salerno, and Universiti Sains Malaysia.
A total of 144 participants from 14 countries joined the programme, including students, lecturers, researchers, health professionals, psychologists, and practitioners. International participants came from India, Italy, Malaysia, China, Canada, Pakistan, Rwanda, Australia, Slovakia, Myanmar, Hungary, Egypt, and the Netherlands. Among them, 43 participants joined the Full Programme in Yogyakarta, while 101 participants participated through the Online Only programme.
Workshop 1: Multi-Level Approaches and Intervention to Responding in Child and Adolescent Cases
Speakers: Sutarimah Ampuni, S.Psi., M.Si., M.Psych., Ph.D., Psikolog; dr. Fitriana Murriya Ekawati, MPHC., Sp.KKLP., Ph.D.; and Aisha Sekar Lazuardini Rachmanie, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog
The online phase, held from 6–10 July 2026, featured 13 thematic lecture sessions led by national and international experts. Topics included child and adolescent development, mental health in the digital age, digital risks, family and community protective factors, and the early identification of trauma and violence.
In addition to the lectures, participants engaged in group discussions and developed a Psychoeducation Project, creating digital educational content focused on child safety in the digital age. The projects were presented at the conclusion of the online phase.
The offline phase, held from 13–17 July 2026, took place at the Faculty of Psychology UGM and several partner institutions across Yogyakarta. Activities included three interactive workshops, collaborative group intervention projects, final presentations, field visits, and cultural experience sessions introducing participants to the social and cultural context of Yogyakarta.
As part of the field programme, participants visited the Balai Pelayanan dan Rehabilitasi Sosial Bina Karya dan Laras DIY Unit Bina Laras where they learned about rehabilitation and support services for individuals with special needs. They also visited Forum Anak Daerah DIY to explore community-based approaches to child protection and child participation. To enrich their cultural experience, participants took part in gamelan activities, visited Museum Sonobudoyo, Malioboro, Kraton Yogyakarta, and Prambanan Temple, and participated in a traditional batik workshop.
CLSD International Summer Course 2026 officially concluded on 16 July 2026 with the Final Group Presentation before a panel of judges, followed by the Closing and Gala Dinner, celebrating the achievements of participants and acknowledging everyone who contributed to the programme.
Cultural Experience: Kraton Yogyakarta
Through CLSD International Summer Course 2026, CLSD reaffirms its commitment to fostering interdisciplinary and international collaboration in addressing the challenges of child safety in the digital age. The programme is expected to strengthen global networks, encourage knowledge exchange, and inspire sustainable practices that support children and adolescents in growing up safely, healthily, and with opportunities to thrive.
Author: Nabila Jauza, S.Psi