Strengthening Religious Education Through Internalization of Balinese Local Wisdom Values as an Early Prevention Effort for Online Gambling Among Gen-Z

Abstract

In this digital world, online gambling addiction has become a major concern among Gen Z. Online gambling affects the individual’s mental health, academic performance, and disturbs social interactions. The World Health Organization (WHO) regards gaming disorder as a serious mental health issue that can destroy a person’s daily activities and life. In Indonesia, particularly in Bali, the incorporation of local wisdom values into religious education provides a strategic method to overcome online gambling addiction. This study explores the role of traditional Balinese local wisdom, particularly Tri Hita Karana, which can strengthen religious education and act as an early prevention for online gambling addiction of Gen Z. The research findings suggest that integrating Balinese local knowledge into the school curriculum improves social responsibility, emotional strength, and moral awareness, and it delivers context for character improvement which are culturally appropriate. Moreover, incorporating local knowledge into educational activities like community service, mindfulness practices, storytelling, and maintaining digital experience supports Gen Z to be more independent and less addicted to online and internet. This paper concludes that promoting religious instruction by incorporating Tri Hita Karana offers a long-term and culturally suitable method for protecting Gen Z from online gambling addiction. It mainly focused on the importance of communities, government, educational institutions, and cultural organizations to work together to prevent the dangerous effects of the digital environment.