School counselling during COVID-19: an initial examination of school counselling use during a 5-week remote learning period

ABSTRACT

There is considerable need to understand the current impact of COVID-19 on young people, particularly with regard to widespread global school closures and remote learning. This research provides an overview of school counselling use during a 5-week (April–May, 2020) remote learning (learning from home) for an Australia Prep to Grade 12 school, when compared with the same timeframe in the preceding two years. The data show a decrease in the number of students engaged in counselling in 2020, though a small increase in the frequency of session provided. The demographic data of those that did access counselling were comparable across the years. In addition, there were differences in the focus of sessions provided in 2020, including a decreased focus on mental health and an increased focus on personal issues. Practical discussion of these patterns is provided, as well as recommendations for ongoing reporting and exploration of the data.

KEYWORDS:

• School counselling
• Covid-19
• pastoral care

Disclosure statement

I have no conflict of interest to declare.