Unisa Yogyakarta Provides Early Education on Puberty

Aisyiyah University (Unisa) Yogyakarta held a puberty education event for children at Muhammadiyah Mantaran Elementary School, Sleman, on Tuesday (September 17, 2025). The event, titled “Optimizing Teacher Communication to Prepare Students for Puberty at SD Muhammadiyah Mantaran Sleman Yogyakarta,” was attended by teachers and fourth-grade students from the school.

The head of the program proposal team, Fitnaningsih Endang Cahyawati, explained that the counseling aimed to introduce reproductive health to children before they entered puberty. In addition to providing education, the team also conducted health screenings for the students.

“This year is the first time that puberty education has been held at Mantaran Elementary School. In the future, we hope to establish ongoing cooperation so that this program can benefit children who are entering puberty or reaching adulthood,” said Fitna.

During the counseling session, Fitna introduced the physical and psychological changes that will be experienced during puberty. She also reminded the children of the importance of maintaining personal hygiene, performing obligatory religious duties, and encouraged them to discuss puberty with their closest relatives, such as their fathers, mothers, and teachers.

The midwifery lecturer at Unisa Yogyakarta also emphasized the importance of maintaining proper manners when interacting with the opposite sex after reaching puberty. She added that once children reach puberty, they are required to follow Islamic law, including covering their aurat.

The children appeared enthusiastic about the counseling session. They admitted to gaining a lot of new knowledge about puberty. “The event was really cool,” said Raka, a fourth-grade student at SD Muhammadiyah Mantaran.

Meanwhile, Afifah Ika Rahmawati, a teacher at Muhammadiyah Mantaran Elementary School, appreciated the activity. According to her, this counseling session was very educational and beneficial for children in dealing with puberty.

“This activity is very educational and introduces new knowledge about puberty, which is very helpful for children in preparing themselves,” said Ika.