COVID-19’s Effect on Students: How School Counselors Rise to the Rescue

Abstract

The COVID-19 global pandemic has brought about many changes to our society, which will have long-term effects for our youth and adolescents. Due to social isolation and adverse childhood experiences, there are concerns of suicidality, technology addiction, and school safety as schools attempt to transition to a state of normalcy in the months to come. This crisis will require coordinated efforts to assist students in not only getting back on track academically but also in helping students cope with the trauma they have and are continuing to experience. As a result, insights from school counselors can be used to obtain a better understanding of the social and emotional effects of COVID-19 by collaborating with administrators to emphasize using school counselors as a mental health provider in schools. The authors highlight school counselors’ mental health training and their role in combating this issue and provide practical applications that can employed to create a systemic approach for social and emotional prevention and intervention during and after the pandemic.

When the Kids Are Not Alright: School Counseling in the Time of COVID-19

“…Our findings reveal practical implications for educators and policy makers as they prepare for a postpandemic world (Pincus et al, 2020). School counselors will be essential in creating a holistic approach to student support and learning as school systems return to a “new normal.” To ensure students have unrestricted access to school counseling support, school counselors will need to adopt new ways to employ technology and advocate for greater role clarity and expectations.…”

“…Our findings reveal practical implications for educators and policy makers as they prepare for a postpandemic world (Pincus et al, 2020). School counselors will be essential in creating a holistic approach to student support and learning as school systems return to a "new normal."…”

Adolescent Mental Health, Connectedness, and Mode of School Instruction During COVID-19

“…24 On average, US school systems have only one counselor per 491 students and one psychologist per 1,400 students, far below recommended ratios. 25 Estimates prior to the COVID-19 pandemic project a potential dire shortage of school counselors, with a projected deficiency of more than 10,000 personnel, relative to projected need by 2025. 26 This is particularly important given that students who feel like their school counselor knows them personally and responds effectively to their concerns are more likely to report feeling connected to their school.…”

“…Schools and healthcare providers can establish memoranda of understanding or other, less formal arrangements to assist students and their families in accessing youth friendly, culturally appropriate, and affordable mental health services, either on or off school property. 29 Health practitioners can also provide training for school staff and workshops for families to promote overall family functioning and enhance connections between caregivers, young people, the school, and health providers. Topics for these efforts may include how to: improve communication between parents and youth; monitor behavior and well-being of youth in a developmentally appropriate manner, identify when external mental health assistance may be needed, and access community or school resources.…”

Konselor Sekolah dalam Mengembangkan Karakter Siswa Selama Covid-19

“…Setelah mereka membuat kemajuan yang cukup, mereka dapat melanjutkan sesi rawat jalan. Sumber: (Ahmed & Firdous, 2020;Bastomi, 2019;Pincus, Hannor-Walker, Wright, & Justice, 2020;Strear et al, 2021;Tanti, 2021;Wong, Ming, Maslow, & Gifford, 2020) Konselor sekolah yang terlatih dapat membantu mengatasi masalah ketakutan siswa akan ketidak-pastian dan menginspirasi siswa mereka untuk terus berjuang demi kehidupan akademik dan profesional yang memuaskan di masa depan. Seorang konselor atau guru pembimbing benar-benar berada di "garis depan" dalam hal membangun kembali ekonomi bangsa dan membimbing kaum muda di masa depan pasca-pandemi.…”