The Role of Digital Media in Disseminating Early Marriage Literacy: A Case Study in Timor-Leste - Indonesia Border Region

Early Marriage is a problem in society, affecting mostly mothers and children. Additionally, the data acquired in Timor-Leste showed that teenage pregnancy mortality was high compared to adults. This issue was commonly observed in rural areas, particularly the border regions, resulting in the need to review early marriage literacy. The research concentrated on the marginalized rural areas and the use of digital media to disseminate information on how to handle challenging situations. Academically, this research supported peacebuilding theory centered on positivity, using the media to resolve social problems. The objective was to analyze how the media disseminated information about issues related to early marriage around the border. A qualitative descriptive method was adopted by analyzing titles, pictures, and content on the web, including direct observation of the border areas. The results showed that digital media (digital news) played an important role in early marriage literacy. Some information disseminated as a form of literacy efforts was related to reproductive health, children’s educational skills, and maturity. It was recommended that media personalities need to collaborate with experts in the field to educate couples and the community about early marriage, including its prevention.