EFFECTIVE COUNSELLING SKILLS FOR REMEDIATING SCHOOL VIOLENCE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN NIGERIA
Keywords:
School Counsellors, Counselling Skills, School Violence, Success, Academic AchievementAbstract
This paper examined counselling skills needed for remediating school violence in secondary schools in Nigeria. Specifically, the paper discussed conceptually the key terms - counselling skills and school violence for clarification; relevant issues in school violence in Nigerian secondary schools were reviewed and counselling skills needed for remediating school violence were discussed literally. Ecological Systems Theory propounded by Bronfenbrenner in 1979 was used as the theoretical anchorage while the qualitative-expository approach was used to discuss the review. Based on the review school violence was identified to have been caused by several factors which included poor impulse control, mental health conditions, access to weapons, dysfunctional family dynamic and domestic violence. School violence has attendant effects on victims that require empathy, and empowerment. It was suggested that working together with students and stakeholders, would help to point out areas counsellors could focus to address the root causes of violence, provide support by utilizing positive coping strategies, promote a culture of respect, understanding, and nonviolence in schools. The paper therefore recommended the utilization of essential counselling skills such as active listening, empathy, conflict resolution, and empowerment. Collaboration skills could help to play a critical role in creating safe, supportive, and inclusive school environments.
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