TEACHERS' EFFORTS TO PREVENT BULLYING CASES IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (CASE STUDY AT TANJUNG ANOM 1 STATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL & AMBARAWA PRINGSEWU 1 STATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL))

This research aims to examine the role and efforts of teachers in preventing bullying cases in elementary school environments, specifically at SD N 1 Tanjung Anom and SD N 1 Ambarawa, Pringsewu. Using a qualitative approach with descriptive research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and documentation from 20 teachers as informants, consisting of 10 teachers from each school. The research focus includes prevention strategies, case management, collaboration among relevant parties, and the role of teachers as agents of change in creating a safe and inclusive school environment. The findings indicate that teachers play a crucial role not only as educators but also as mentors, mediators, and role models in shaping students' character and preventing acts of violence in schools. The research findings reveal that both schools share similar philosophies in applying an empathetic approach, early prevention, and mediation based on restorative justice. However, there are differences in implementation: SD N 1 Tanjung Anom is more structured in recording and classifying bullying cases, while SD N 1 Ambarawa is more active in conducting visual anti-bullying campaigns through poster installations. Both schools utilize WhatsApp groups as a communication channel with parents, although its intensity remains limited. Overall, teachers' efforts have been effective in addressing bullying; however, formal policies, teacher training, and a secure reporting system need to be developed to create a truly violence-free learning environment. This study provides practical recommendations for elementary schools to strengthen holistic and sustainable bullying prevention strategies.