The concept of ‘student wellbeing’ covers the extensive range of a student’s health aspects, including physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. This comprehensive view recognises the significant impact that student wellbeing, or its absence, has on their mental health and academic success. Therefore, prioritising student wellbeing in education is crucial, aiming to empower students to achieve their fullest potential.
Growing up in a complex world, young people encounter numerous challenges that go beyond academic life, often stemming from broader societal issues. These challenges can deeply affect a student’s wellbeing. Schools are in a prime position to work alongside other agencies and the community to confront and alleviate these issues. By creating an environment marked by safety, consistency, and connection, schools can serve as safe spaces for youth, offering the necessary support for their development.
How Guidance Counsellors Support Student Mental Health
School guidance counselling significantly promotes student well-being. This role, filled by individuals proficient in counselling theory and practices, focuses on establishing supportive relationships with students to aid their identity development, boost their resilience, and provide them with tools for navigating interpersonal relationships. Effective counselling aims to empower students’ coping abilities and create positive life changes.
In 2018, 62% of secondary school principals reported needing but not being able to access external expertise to support students’ wellbeing. This need was particularly pronounced in decile 1 and 2 schools, indicating a potential disparity in access to resources for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
President of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) Sarah Maindonald says, “We have recommended and advocated for some time a change in staffing ratios to ensure one counsellor to 400 students. The American Counselling Association actually recommends 1 to 250. Some schools in NZ have 1 to 1000. This is a matter of student safety, particularly given our high youth suicide rates and pervasive mental health concerns.
“Many counsellors around the country have to run constant wait lists, which risks safety issues sitting on these lists, unknown to the counsellor or the school. The biggest problems are volume and complexity, so it would also take the pressure off in terms of having time to collaborate with other professionals and do more home visits.” Counsellors are now often used as a crisis service, with students having to be triaged according to how severe the issue is.
Schools are struggling with an increase in mental health issues among students. In 2021, 82% of teachers observed a rise in these concerns. Additionally, the impact of online incidents spilling over into schools and affecting the learning environment has added a new layer of complexity to the challenges schools face.
Combating Cyberbullying
Sarah says, “There is a constant preoccupation with peer texting and online platforms: doing streaks for Snapchat, Instagram, etc. It’s often unmonitored and unsupervised, so it is open to bullying and abuse by peers and adults, grooming online and misinformation. On the other hand, access to the Internet broadens their ability to access the world in terms of education and connection in terms of research and connection.”
Social media offers a platform for students to express themselves, connect with others, and find support, particularly beneficial for those feeling isolated or facing challenges. However,
excessive use can distract from important activities, disrupt sleep, and expose students to cyberbullying, potentially leading to mental health issues.
Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can be relentless, following victims home via their digital devices. To counteract these issues, schools must strive to establish a bullying-free zone. Many schools are actively implementing effective anti-bullying strategies, and those with effective measures in place report fewer incidents of bullying.
Connecting Students with External Resources
School counsellors are uniquely positioned to provide emotional support to students who may not have anyone else to turn to. They offer a confidential environment where students can share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or repercussion. This emotional support can be a critical lifeline for students who may feel isolated or misunderstood.
Counsellors can also act as a bridge to external resources when necessary. They can refer students to mental health specialists, community resources, or other support networks. These referrals can provide students with the additional help they need, especially when dealing with complex mental health issues.
Addressing student wellbeing is a multifaceted effort that requires the combined forces of schools, counsellors, and the community. Recognising the broad spectrum of challenges that students face today, it’s important to create school environments that promote safety, support, and opportunities for meaningful education.
