Skip to main content

The role of a school counsellor in tackling the challenges faced by students, and how bullying is affecting at school (Part 1.13):

-

There are multiple roles a counsellor does for student development at school- academic performance counselling, family related counselling, career counselling, school adjustment related aspects and so on.

One of the major tasks for a school counsellor is also to help a child plan for his future, whether that means continuing on to higher education, doing entrepreneurship, entering the workforce and so on. Ideally, a school counsellor should be involved with this process since a student entered school, providing guidance and study skills and intervening during times of poor or declining school performance. As we discussed in our previous articles, there are myriad challenges which counsellors face to discharge their duties.

As reported in an article from UWA online of USA, there are some school counsellors who go an extra mile, even accompany students on college visits and walk them through the application process (uwa.edu, N.A). This cannot be possible in all situations, as counsellor student ratio has to be at a manageable ratio. Many schools in developing countries do not have counsellors at all, or they do not have counsellor student ratio balance. The ASCA (American School Counselor Association) recommends that schools should strive to maintain a 250:1 student-to-counsellor ratio.

There are many student challenges school counsellors tackle, in this article we have done a focussed study on school bullying.

 

School bullying is a major challenge at school:

 

School bullying is also a major challenge in schools, which affects the child’s performance at school and life altogether. What do we mean by bullying? This means one who is habitually cruel, insulting, or threatening to others who are weaker, smaller, or in some way vulnerable (Merriam-webster, N.A). The bullying should meet certain requirements to be considered bullying. These are the imbalance of power, repeated, distress, and provocation.

 

School bullying may occur either in schools, on campus, or outside of school, but it is due to relationships created in school settings. There are many types of bullying, such as direct bullying or indirect bullying, verbal bullying, physical bullying, emotional bullying, sexual bullying, cyberbullying to name the major ones. In order to tackle cyberbullying, some school counsellors monitor social media to varying degrees. As a preventative measure, counsellors are also involved with media education and lessons about how to use social media responsibly (uwa.edu, N.A).

 

Reasons based on which bullying might happen:

 

The reasons for being bullied reported most often by students include physical appearance, race/ethnicity, Gender, Disability, Religion, Sexual orientation. The reasons are not the same for all the schools and regions, the reasons will vary based on economic, sociological and cultural factors of the school/region /country (uopeople, N.A).



Few statistical data on occurrences of bullying:

 

As per statistics in the USA with National Center for Education Statistics, more than one out of five students report being bullied in their life. As per this statistics in below table 1.1, we have presented a report based on percentage where the children have been bullied (uopeople, N.A)

 

Below is the report where bullied students reported that bullying occurred in the following places:

 

Table 1.1

Percentage of occurrences of bullying

Where did it occur

42%

in the hallway (corridor) or stairwell at school 

34%

inside the classroom

22%

in the cafeteria

19%

outside on school grounds

10%

on the school bus

9%

in the bathroom or locker room


There are a few astonishing aspects from the above statistics. The major number of bullying occurrences area i.e. 42% happen in a school area (corridor) where nobody is there to monitor children on regular basis. And 9% occurrences are also reported in the bathroom and locker room usually where children spend very less time in school.

All the above details and statistics show that counsellors have a major role to play in school. And only a counsellor alone cannot run the show, all the school stakeholders should collaborate and work together.

Schools need to have policies in place and procedures that are enforced. Bringing anti-bullying into every part of the curriculum can also go a long way. For example, language arts teachers can find required novels/stories that give students empathy for others (uopeople, N.A).

Additionally schools should design a holistic wellbeing program. And also make sure that the legal compliances related to bullying framed by the concerned school boards, education departments should be followed.

Further reading:

https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/definition-of-bullying/

https://online.uwa.edu/news/challenges-for-school-counselors/

Click to read all the articles published in this series:

This is part of Children's mental health and wellbeing series brought to you by Credence  Learning Foundation. This article is taken from a study submitted as course work at Azim Premji University. The part covered in this series 1.13 is an additional research review work done by CLF on 15th Nov 2020. 

Popular posts from this blog

The Power of Listening: Unlocking English Proficiency in India:

 - In India, where English often serves as a crucial link for education, employment, and global communication, mastering the language is a common aspiration. While grammar rules and vocabulary lists are fundamental, one of the most potent yet often underestimated tools for English language acquisition is active listening. For Indian learners, cultivating strong listening skills can be the key to unlocking fluency and confidence. Why Listening Matters in the Indian Context India's linguistic diversity means that English is often learned as a second or even third language. This brings unique challenges and opportunities for listening:  * Diverse Accents and Dialects: Exposure to a wide range of English accents – from native speakers (British, American, Australian) to various Indian English dialects – is crucial. Listening helps learners adapt to these variations, improving comprehension in real-world conversations.  * Intonation and Rhythm: Unlike many Indian languages, Eng...

The Blueprint for Global Learning: Aligning Outcomes, Curriculum, and Assessment for a Brighter Future:

 - From the bustling classrooms of a city to the remote learning hubs across continents, education stands as humanity's most powerful tool for progress. It is the engine of innovation, the guardian of culture, and the pathway to individual and collective fulfillment. Yet, the true potential of any educational system, anywhere in the world, hinges on a fundamental, often overlooked, principle: the  seamless alignment of learning outcomes, curriculum, and assessment. This isn't merely an academic ideal; it's the  indispensable blueprint for designing, delivering, and systematically evaluating an education system that genuinely serves its purpose. The Three Pillars of Purposeful Learning Imagine education as a purposeful journey. Learning Outcomes  are our  destination . They are the clear, measurable statements that define what learners are truly expected to know, understand, and be able to do upon completing a course, a year, or an entire program. They articulate...

Education themed jokes:

1. Dad puts finger print(Thumb) on son's mark sheet. Child asked father: Being a chartered accountant, Why did you put finger print instead of signature on my progress card. Father replied: idiot,after looking at your marks, the teacher should not think that I am educated. 2. Critical thinking among children: Pintu: daadi neend nhi aa rahi, TV dekh lun? Daadi: mujh se baat kr le Pintu: daadi kya hum hamesha 6 hi rahenge? Aap, mom, dad, didi, main aur meri billi Daadi: nahi beta aapke liye kal doggy b aa raha h to 7 ho jaayenge Pintu: par doggy to billi ko kha jayega fir 6 ho jaayenge Daadi: nahi beta aap ki shaadi ho jaayegi to 7 ho jaayenge Pintu: fir behen chali jaayegi shaadi kr ke to fir 6 ho jaayenge Daadi: beta fir aapka beta ho jaayega to fir 7 ho jaayenge Pintu: tb tk aap mar jaaogi to fir hum wapas se 6 ho jaayenge Daadi: Bewqauf......jaa TV dekh 3. Once upon a time ..a small boy named Basheer lived in a tin...

Addressing Modern Disciplinary Challenges in Schools:

 - It's clear that schools today face unique disciplinary hurdles, particularly with the current generation of students. The traditional methods of lectures and assessments often fall flat, especially with boys, who seem to thrive on an activity-based approach to learning. This shift in engagement styles can make education feel like a forced endeavor, leading to a noticeable lack of interest and a decline in respect for manners and discipline. A significant concern is the limited parental cooperation. Many parents appear to feel their children are beyond their control, even suggesting corporal punishment as a solution and seemingly expecting schools to bear the sole responsibility for their children's tarbiyah (upbringing and moral development). This creates a challenging environment for educators. Compounding these issues is the evolving role of teachers. Modern educators, while dedicated, may not possess the same emotional resilience as previous generations, making it difficu...

School Library suggested list for Indian schools for classes 6th to 10th standard:

  ##  - Book Suggestions for a School Library in India for classes 6-10. Here are some book suggestions, focusing on core subjects and Indian languages, to enrich your school library:  1.  Works by renowned Indian authors in various languages (Hindi, english, regional languages etc.) 2. Language Reference Books:       * Dictionaries (English, Hindi, regional languages)       * Thesauruses       * Grammar books     * English communication books        * Writing guides      * Essay writing books   3. Science:       * Biographies of famous scientists (e.g., Einstein, Curie)       * Books on specific scientific topics (e.g., astronomy, biology, chemistry) 4. Mathematics:       * Mathematical puzzles and brain teasers       * History of mathematics       * Books on the practical applications of mathematic...

Education system in Greece and Rome in ancient times: (In Urdu)-

یونان اور روم میں نظامِ تعلیم ڈاکٹر عرفان حبیب مغربی تعلیم کی تاریخ کا آغاز حضرت عیسیٰؑ سے سیکڑوں برس پہلے، یونانی قوم کی تعلیمی سرگرمیوں سے ہوتا ہے۔ اس تاریخ میں بیسویں صدی کی شروعات تک ایک تسلسل پایا جاتا ہے۔ ابتدائی دور میں یونانی شہری ریاستوں میں رہتے تھے۔ شروع ہی سے ان کے یہاں تعلیم کو بڑی اہمیت دی جاتی تھی۔ اچھے شہری تیار کرنے کے لیے تعلیم ضروری تھی۔ یہ ریاستیں دشمنوں میں گھری ہوئی تھیں اور اکثر اندرونی خطروں کا بھی سامنا کرنا ہوتا تھا۔ اس لیے شہریوں کی اس طرح سے تربیت ضروری تھی کہ وہ اندرونی اور بیرونی خطروں کا اچھی طرح مقابلہ کر سکیں۔ اس یونانی سماج کی بنیاد، غلامی کے نظام پر تھی جس میں غلاموں کی تعداد آزاد شہریوں سے کہیں زیادہ تھی۔ تجارت اور ہاتھ سے کام کرنے کو معیوب سمجھا جاتا تھا اور یہ کام غلاموں سے لیے جاتے تھے، اس لیے شہریوں کو کوئی ٹیکنیکل تعلیم حاصل کرنے کی ضرورت نہیں تھی۔ شہری ریاستیں کئی باتوں میں ایک دوسرے سے مختلف تھیں اور اس لیے ان کے تعلیم کے مقاصد بھی جدا جدا تھے مثلاً سپارٹا اور ایتھنز کے تعلیمی نظام بالکل الگ الگ تھے۔ سپارٹا کے شہری اپنے علاقے می...

Online Schools and eclectic curriculum:

 - Online schools, while offering flexibility and accessibility, come with several disadvantages, particularly when they employ a mixed eclectic curriculum. An "eclectic curriculum" typically means drawing from various teaching philosophies and methods, aiming to personalize learning. While this sounds good in theory, in an online setting, it can lead to unique challenges. Here are the disadvantages of online school, especially one offering a mixed eclectic curriculum: I. General Disadvantages of Online School:  * Lack of Face-to-Face Interaction and Social Isolation:    * Reduced Engagement: Students miss out on spontaneous discussions, immediate feedback, and the dynamic energy of a physical classroom.    * Isolation: The absence of in-person interaction with peers and instructors can lead to feelings of loneliness, reduced motivation, and a diminished sense of community.    * Limited Social Skill Development: Opportunities for developing crucia...

Discipline rooted in connection builds emotional safety and also encourages internal motivation:

 - *“Discipline isn’t about control. It’s about connection.”* _This powerful statement shifts the traditional perspective of discipline from authority-based control to relationship-based guidance. True discipline is not about instilling fear or asserting dominance, it’s about helping someone grow by building trust, understanding, and connection._ 🧠 What It Means: • Control-based discipline says: “Do what I say, or face punishment.” • Connection-based discipline says: “I understand what you’re going through. Let’s learn from this together.” The goal is not to force obedience but to nurture self-discipline, empathy, and responsibility. 🌱 *_Example 1: A School Principal & a Misbehaving Student*_ • Control Approach: The principal suspends the student without asking why he was misbehaving. • Connection Approach: The principal calls the student in, sits beside him, and says, “You’re usually respectful. What happened today? Is something bothering you?” 🔁 *Outcome:* ...

ಪ್ರೊ. ಕೆ. ಎಸ್. ನಿಸಾರ್ ಅಹಮದ್ ರವರ ಜೀವನ-

- ಪ್ರೊ.  ಕೆ. ಎಸ್. ನಿಸಾರ್ ಅಹಮದ್ ಪ್ರೊ.ಕೆ.ಎಸ್.ನಿಸಾರ್ ಅಹಮದ್ (5 ಫೆಬ್ರುವರಿ 1936 - 3 ಮೇ 2020) ಕನ್ನಡದ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಸಾಹಿತಿಗಳಾಗಿದ್ದರು. ಅವರ ಪೂರ್ಣ ಹೆಸರು 'ಕೊಕ್ಕರೆಹೊಸಳ್ಳಿ ಶೇಖಹೈದರ ನಿಸಾರ್ ಅಹಮದ್'. ಅವರು ಬರೆದ 'ಜೋಗದ ಸಿರಿ ಬೆಳಕಿನಲ್ಲಿ ತುಂಗೆಯ ತೆನೆ ಬಳುಕಿನಲ್ಲಿ' ಎಂಬ ಪದ್ಯವು ಬಹಳ ಜನಪ್ರಿಯವಾಗಿ ಅವರು ನಿತ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ ಕವಿಯೆಂದೂ ಕರೆಯಲ್ಪಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು. Image source: Online typing ಜೀವನ- ಪ್ರೊ. ನಿಸಾರ್ ಅಹಮದ್ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ದೇವನಹಳ್ಳಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಫೆಬ್ರುವರಿ ೫, ೧೯೩೬ ರಲ್ಲಿ ಜನಿಸಿದರು. ೧೯೫೯ ರಲ್ಲಿ ಭೂವಿಜ್ಞಾನದಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ನಾತಕೋತ್ತರ ಪದವಿ ಪಡೆದರು. ೧೯೯೪ ರ ವರೆಗೆ ವಿವಿಧ ಸರಕಾರಿ ಕಾಲೇಜುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಅಧ್ಯಾಪಕ ಹಾಗು ಪ್ರಾಧ್ಯಾಪಕರಾಗಿ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡಿ ನಿವೃತ್ತರಾದರು.             ಜನನ 5 ಫೆಬ್ರುವರಿ 1936 ದೇವನಹಳ್ಳಿ, ಮೈಸೂರು ಸಂಸ್ಥಾನ, ಬ್ರಿಟಿಷ್ ಇಂಡಿಯಾ              ಮರಣ 3 ಮೇ 2020 (ವಯಸ್ಸು 84)[೧] ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ವೃತ್ತಿ ಸಾಹಿತಿ, ಪ್ರೊಫೆಸರ್ ಭಾಷೆ ಕನ್ನಡ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯತೆ ಭಾರತ ಪ್ರಕಾರ/ಶೈಲಿ Fiction ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ ಚಳುವಳಿ ನವ್ಯ ಕಾವ್ಯ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಕೆಲಸಗಳು ಮನಸು ಗಾಂಧಿ ಬಜಾರು(1960) ನಿತ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿಗಳು ಪದ್ಮಶ್ರೀ (೨೦೦೮), ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ (೧೯೮೧) ಕೆಲವು ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯಗಳು : ನಿಸಾರ್ ಅಹಮದ್  ...

Classroom: A place where the primary goal is not to fill a bucket, but to light a fire-

 - ### The Light in Their Eyes Do you remember it? That spark. The unbridled curiosity of a child who asks "why" for the tenth time, not to be difficult, but because their world is a universe of wonders waiting to be discovered. The five-year-old who spends an entire afternoon building a lopsided castle of mud and leaves, not for a grade, but for the sheer joy of creating. The eight-year-old who reads under the covers with a flashlight, lost in a world far beyond their bedroom walls. This is the light. It is the raw engine of passion, the bedrock of innovation, and the very soul of a lifelong learner. And I fear, with every fibre of my being, that our schools are becoming places where this light goes to die. Source: Gemini AI  We have, with the best of intentions, built a system that mistakes measurement for meaning. We have created a world within classroom walls where the landscape is paved with textbooks and the horizon is blocked by the looming shadow of the next exam. Chi...