YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia — In anticipation of National Children's Day on August 7, 2026, the Berlayar program hosted a special screening of the film "Serenada" (2024) at the Grhatama Pustaka library last Tuesday (7/7).

The initiative, organized in collaboration with the Yogyakarta Regional Children's Forum (Forum Anak Daerah Provinsi DIY) and the Department of Women's Empowerment, Child Protection, and Population Control (DP3AP2) DIY, continues its mission to advocate for better mental health awareness, accessibility, and inclusivity for children and adolescents.

The event drew a vibrant and enthusiastic crowd of junior and senior high school students representing all five regions of the province: Gunungkidul, Sleman, Kulon Progo, Bantul, and Yogyakarta City.

Redefining the Home as a Sanctuary

Facilitated by mental health advocate Lu'luul Jannah, the interactive session delved into the pivotal role families play in a child's psychological development. The discussion underscored the necessity of the household serving as a secure environment where youth can freely express their emotions and receive unconditional emotional backing.

Participants actively engaged in the dialogue, highlighting that children must find the courage to communicate their vulnerabilities so parents can accurately understand and address their needs.

"Parents need to shift from one-way to two-way communication, implement positive parenting techniques, and build the home as a safe space rather than a place of judgment," the session concluded, summarizing a core takeaway of the event.

Empowering the Next Generation

The screening resonated deeply with the young audience, many of whom expressed relief and newfound confidence in navigating complex family dynamics.

• Healthy Communication: Students learned actionable strategies to initiate difficult conversations with their guardians.
• Situational Awareness: Discussions touched upon reading the "right time and situation" to approach parents effectively.
• Overcoming Fear: Youth shared insights on how to bridge the gap with high-demanding households without fear.

One high school participant shared their breakthrough from the workshop:

"From the discussion today, I gained so many diverse ways to practice healthy communication with my parents. I learned that communicating with strict or high-demanding parents isn't as terrifying if we know how to handle it healthily. I am definitely going to practice what Ms. Lulu and my peers suggested today, because I know these communication skills will be vital for my future."

A Vision for the Future

The organizers closed the event by emphasizing their commitment to preventing domestic psychological harm. By aligning closely with DP3AP2 DIY’s overarching mission, the Berlayar program aims to foster sustained institutional synergy to drastically elevate the quality of life and mental well-being for children across Yogyakarta.