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For a long time, school counsellors were viewed mostly as support staff members in various institutions who hand out personality tests and helped students gather paperwork for college applications. In reality, the 21st century school counsellors share the status of being in the front lines of the education system with teachers whom students confide in with their homework struggles, family lives, and other related stress that stands between them achieving their goals.
 

We all know by now that the job of a school counsellor is way beyond than just what meets the eye. It is tougher than it appears to be. Though, many school counsellors choose this profession so that they can help people, but it can be quite difficult to know what are the right initiatives that one should take when dealing with complicated issues. So, how can one find his/her way through this maze of challenges as a school counsellor?
 

Mentioned here are four common types of issues faced by school counsellors.
 

Bullying
 

Of late, bullying is one of the rising topics a school counsellor will face in his/her profession. Learners being novices to social behaviour, are unaware about the ways to tackle or react to bullies. Studies show that nine out of ten elementary students have been bullied by their peers, while six out of ten admit to being a bully at some point themselves. This is an alarming percentage. When this continues to be so, learners will not want to attend their classes.
 

As a counsellor, it is your job to nip it in the bud, as in stop bullying in its tracks by providing learners with the tools to cope with it. The bully, also, should not be forgotten about, as he/she may need the assistance as well. The reason behind such behaviour needs to be evaluated and the relevant help may be extended to them.
 

Suicidal Threats
 

While bullying is one of the most common challenges faced by counsellors globally, suicidal threats, on the other hand, can be the scariest. One common mistake that counsellors make when tackling learners rumoured to have made such threats is accepting their first answer and the truth. Many such young individuals give in to hiding their true feelings and say they haven’t thought of hurting themselves (even if they have) because they are either ashamed or embarrassed.
 

Discussing and talking out the issue with them about their feelings can prove beneficial and of help. Informing individuals who need to get involved needs to be done. Studies say that 80% of people who commit suicide inform someone about their intention one week prior to the incident. Suicidal threats are not to be and should not be brushed off or taken lightly. Counsellors, with their school counselling techniques, must set realistic treatment goals and develop a connection of possible resources to ensure the learner’s safety.
 

Family Issues
 

If any learner is going through family related issues at home, it’s quite evident that the same will hamper their school-life, be it academically, socially, or emotionally. It can be the divorce of a parent, or stress between siblings, that can alter the state of mental well-being among learners. It is the counsellor’s expertise and time with a student that can throw light on the issues regarding family matters and can transform a student’s academic life. Although, confidentiality is the key to building trust, sometimes it’s essential to contact parents about matters of family urgency.
 

Substance Abuse
 

Don’t be astounded when you come to know that learners often approach their counsellors with question regarding alcohol or other drugs. During teenage years, many children find themselves in situations where they are peer pressured into trying out illegal substances. One of the rewarding things of having a diploma in school counselling degree is when you are able to help stop learner/s from developing life-threatening addictions.
 

Generally, there are awareness programs carried out by schools to make learners aware or help them deal with substance abuse, but it’s a counsellor’s responsibility to see that the learners follow this regime.
 

School counsellors have to face several issues on a regular basis and they need to remember that it’s crucial to evaluate each issue with painstaking care and focus. Although, these issues may feel ordinary in a school setting, but proper counselling can prove to be beneficial for many, and could even save a life.
 

Anyone willing to or is interested in helping students of all ages to cope with their struggles in a healthy and strategical way, can hone their skills and upgrade their counselling knowledge to make a difference in the learners’ lives.