Literature Study: Moral Education Strategies in Schools in Forming Character and Preventing Social Deviance in Students

Abstract

This article discusses the strategic role of schools in shaping students' morality and preventing social deviations that can spread throughout society. In the context of increasing cases of juvenile delinquency, drug abuse, violence, and a permissive culture, it is important to review the function of schools not only as centers of academic learning but also as agents of character formation and social control. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with a library research method. Data collection techniques were carried out through documentation studies of various scientific sources such as books, journals, research articles, and relevant policy documents. Data analysis used content analysis techniques with the stages of data reduction, data classification, interpretation, and drawing conclusions. The results show that schools play a role as secondary socialization agents that instill moral values through curriculum integration, positive behavioral habits, extracurricular activities, and enforcement of discipline. Teacher role models and a conducive school environment are important factors in the successful formation of student morality. This study also found that strong moral education contributes significantly to controlling social deviations, such as bullying, juvenile delinquency, and other antisocial behavior, by strengthening self-control, social empathy, and normative awareness. This study concludes that schools play a central role in shaping morality and preventing social deviance, but their effectiveness requires a collaborative approach between schools, families, and communities. This research contributes to the development of sociological studies of education and character education and provides policy recommendations for strengthening character education programs in schools.