School Counselors and Technology

The use of advanced technology has clearly affected counseling services provided to students by school counselors, as well as how counselors communicate with and support students. The American School Counseling Association (ASCA) has emphasized the importance of school counselors' use of technology and their collaboration with families and educators. It is important for school counselors to understand how technology influences schools so that they can provide the most appropriate and effective counseling services to students. This chapter explores what school counselors need to know to understand the importance of advanced technologies in school settings, as well as how school counselors can utilize diverse technologies, online resources, activities, and computer-based systems in their work with students. This chapter will help educators and counselors develop the knowledge and skills needed to competently address technology-related issues in schools.

School Counselors and Technology

The use of advanced technology has clearly affected counseling services provided to students by school counselors, as well as how counselors communicate with and support students. The American School Counseling Association (ASCA) has emphasized the importance of school counselors' use of technology and their collaboration with families and educators. It is important for school counselors to understand how technology influences schools so that they can provide the most appropriate and effective counseling services to students. This chapter explores what school counselors need to know to understand the importance of advanced technologies in school settings, as well as how school counselors can utilize diverse technologies, online resources, activities, and computer-based systems in their work with students. This chapter will help educators and counselors develop the knowledge and skills needed to competently address technology-related issues in schools.

Cyberbullying Considerations for School Counselors: A Social Media Content Analysis

Researchers conducted a content analysis of nine social media platforms’ bullying policies based on the American School Counseling Association position statement on bullying to determine the content of the social media platforms’ bullying policies as they connect to school counseling guidelines. Main findings indicated (a) common terms are often unclear and vary, (b) language in policies was mainly negative and punitive, (c) cultural awareness was limited to anti-discrimination, and (d) mental health concerns were addressed but rarely associated with cyberbullying. School counselors can utilize these findings to inform training and prevention efforts to build and maintain safe schools and aid students impacted by cyberbullying.

Professional School Counselors and the Practice of Group Work

An online survey about the use of small groups by school counselors was completed by 802 members of the American School Counseling Association. The vast majority of respondents offered groups in their schools, but were most influenced in that decision by time constraints. Qualitative analysis of comment data provided more depth and insight about school counselors’ practice of group work. Implications and recommendations are discussed.