DELI SERDANG – The Mining Engineering Student Association of the Faculty of Engineering, University of North Sumatra (HMTP FT USU), conducted an educational outreach program for students at SMP Negeri 4 Satu Atap Pantai Labu—a school located in Sarang Burung Village, Pantai Labu District, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra—on October 31, 2026. This initiative is part of the HMTP FT USU work program for the 2026–2027 term, which focuses on fostering social awareness and encouraging student contributions to the community.
Centered on the theme "How to Use Social Media Wisely," the program aimed to help students understand the importance of using social media in an intelligent, positive, safe, and responsible manner, especially given the rapid advancement of information technology.
The educational session was led by members of the HMTP FT USU executive board, including the General Chairperson, Brandon Timothea Boston Siahaan, alongside fellow board members Raisan Habib Nasution, Fahri Fitra Wahyudi, Nadien Natalia Br S Kembaren, Ahmad Daudi, Riski Suci Khoiriyah Pulungan, and Raihan Aulia Rasyid.
During the event, the organizers engaged directly with the students through presentations and educational discussions regarding the use of social media in daily life.
During the presentation, the representatives from HMTP FT USU explained that social media has become an integral part of the lives of the younger generation. Various digital platforms offer convenience for communication, accessing information, fostering creativity, and supporting the learning process. However, using social media without proper understanding and oversight can also entail various risks.
The educational material covered the importance of safeguarding personal data, identifying false information or hoaxes, understanding online communication ethics, avoiding cyberbullying, and cultivating the habit of critical thinking before creating or sharing content on social media.
Students were also encouraged to understand that every activity in the digital space carries consequences. Comments, posts, photos, and shared information leave a digital footprint that can impact both the individuals themselves and others. Therefore, students need to be mindful of using social media as a tool to support positive endeavors, rather than as a medium for spreading hate, engaging in bullying, or disseminating unverified information.
The session employed an educational and communicative approach to ensure the material was easily understood by the students. Through this initiative, HMTP FT USU aims to foster an early awareness that digital literacy is not merely about the technical ability to use technology; it also encompasses responsibility, ethics, and the capacity to critically evaluate information.
HMTP FT USU Work Program for the 2026–2027
According to the General Chair of HMTP, Brandon Timothea Boston Siahaan, "This educational initiative is part of HMTP FT USU’s commitment to executing its work program for the 2026–2027, with several other programs already planned for implementation."
As university students, we do not merely act as academic individuals developing knowledge within the campus environment; we also bear the responsibility to make a tangible contribution to society. Through educational activities in school environments, HMTP FT USU strives to build positive relationships between student organizations and the broader community, while simultaneously expanding the role of students in supporting the improvement of educational quality and raising awareness among the younger generation.
These activities also serve as a platform for student organizers to develop skills in communication, leadership, and teamwork, while fostering a sense of concern for social issues emerging within society—a point highlighted by Nadine S. Kembaren, the organization’s General Secretary.
Supporting the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This educational initiative on the wise use of social media aligns with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Through this program, HMTP FT USU hopes that students will adopt more prudent, critical, polite, and responsible behaviors when using social media. The initiative serves as evidence that university students can play a strategic role in supporting quality education and sustainable community development.
Moving forward, it is expected that HMTP FT USU will continue to develop programs that not only strengthen the organization’s internal capacity but also provide direct benefits to the community through educational, social, and empowerment initiatives that remain relevant to the needs of the times.