As a girl child who went through behavior and body changes while at school, I strongly believe students should talk to someone during this stage, commonly known as the adolescent stage.
I can vividly recall this one time my classmate in secondary school constantly wrapped a sweater around her chest to cover her breasts because she was the only one that had them in class, so she thought it was abnormal.
Most students go through such a phase without their parents or anyone to talk to about these changes, but to make it worse, peers tend to make fun of them in such situations, which makes one feel less of themselves.
Doreen Atuhaire, a counselor at Seroma Christian School, said the purpose of counseling for students in secondary school is to support their emotional, social, and academic development. Counseling helps students navigate the challenges they may face during adolescence and helps them develop the skills and resilience needed to succeed academically and personally.
With the experience Atuhaire has, she goes ahead to share with the Nexus reporter a number of reasons as to why a student should undergo counseling and guidance during such a stage:
Emotional support: Adolescence can be a challenging time, marked by hormonal changes, peer pressure, identity exploration, suicidal thoughts, and the need to be validated by other people. Counseling provides a safe and confidential space for students to express their emotions, fears, and concerns. It helps them develop healthy coping mechanisms, manage stress, and build emotional resilience.
Academic guidance: counseling aims to enhance students’ academic performance by providing guidance on goal setting, study skills, time management, and course selection. Counselors can help students explore their academic strengths, identify areas for improvement, and work towards their educational goals. They can also assist with career exploration, college planning, and post-secondary options.
Social and interpersonal skills: Secondary school is a time when students are forming their social identities and navigating relationships with peers, teachers, and family. Counseling can help students develop healthy and positive relationships, improve communication skills, manage conflicts, and enhance their social and emotional intelligence.
Mental health support: Adolescence is a critical period for the development of mental health and well-being. Counseling provides early intervention for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and bullying. It helps students recognize and manage their emotions, build self-awareness, and seek appropriate help when needed.
Personal development: Counseling aims to foster personal growth and self-awareness among students. It helps them gain a better understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. Counselors can provide guidance on decision-making, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making, empowering students to make informed choices and take ownership of their lives.
Atuhaire emphasized that counseling in secondary school plays a crucial role in supporting students’ overall well-being, fostering their personal and social development, promoting academic success, and addressing any mental health concerns that may arise.
According to UNICEF, 2.25 million students undergo troubles while experiencing behavioral and body changes, and this can lead to suicide, HIV/AIDS, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and low participation in secondary education, making it difficult for young people to fulfill their potential.
