Navigating adolescence matters in Indonesia: insights and needs of students in Islamic schools

Introduction: adolescence is a critical period marked by significant physical, emotional, and social changes. In Indonesia, where cultural and religious norms play a central role in shaping societal attitudes, adolescents face unique challenges as they navigate through this developmental stage. Islamic boarding schools, or pesantren, provide a distinctive setting where adolescents receive secular and religious education. Understanding the experiences and needs of adolescents in these settings is essential for developing targeted interventions to support healthy development. Methods: this study employed a qualitative approach, utilizing focus group discussions to explore students' perspectives in Islamic boarding schools. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 32 participants, divided into male and female groups. Data were collected through recorded interviews, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. Results: three main themes emerged from the data: the importance of reproductive health knowledge, navigating romantic feelings and privacy, and the impact of bullying. Cultural and religious values were identified as significant influencers of adolescent behavior, highlighting the importance of integrating these values into educational interventions. They also discussed challenges related to romantic feelings, privacy boundaries, and bullying experiences within the school environment. Conclusion: this study provides valuable insights into the experiences and needs of adolescents in Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia. The findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive sex and reproductive education, cultural sensitivity, and targeted interventions to support adolescent well-being in these settings. Future research should explore the perspectives of parents and educators to develop more holistic interventions.