Mental health support in schools crucial after Ateneo De Zamboanga shooting, guidance expert says

The recent fatal shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University has renewed calls for stronger mental health support and guidance services for students.

The incident on August 18 left two students dead, including the suspected shooter, while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances and possible motive behind the attack.

The shooting comes as the Department of Education (DepEd) moves to strengthen student support by hiring counselor associates, Education Secretary Sonny Angara earlier said.

For Dr. Sheila Marie "Shake" Guevarra-Hocson, former president of Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association (PGCA), strengthening mental health programs in schools is crucial in helping students recognize and address struggles before they escalate.

In her guesting on the DZBB Super Radyo program on Wednesday, Guevarra-Hocson highlighted the Peer Facilitators Program, an extension service of the guidance office that trains students to listen, communicate effectively, recognize signs and symptoms of mental health concerns, and refer their peers to professionals.

"'So we help each Peer Facilitators Program. This is an extension service of the Guidance Office. We train young people to listen, practice healthy communication, learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health concerns, develop mental health literacy, and learn how to make referrals," she said in Filipino.

According to Guevarra-Hocson, the program provides an effective platform for students to support one another while ensuring that those who need professional help are properly referred to guidance counselors or other mental health professionals.

"These are the most effective platforms that we use," she said.

She said that peer facilitators are not replacements for professional guidance counselors. Rather, they serve as an additional layer of support and are trained to know when a student needs to be referred to a professional.

"It is really important for children to have holistic development," Guevarra-Hocson said, emphasizing the need to consider a student's physical, mental, psychological, and spiritual well-being.

Watching for warning signs

According to Guevarra-Hocson, parents and teachers should pay attention to significant changes in a student's behavior, both online and in person.

These may include suddenly becoming withdrawn, changes in online behavior such as aggressive or disturbing posts, poor hygiene, changes in weight or physical appearance, difficulty sleeping, and losing interest in school, social activities, or organizations.

"That is why teachers play an important role in conducting daily check-ins and asking students how they are doing," she said.

"It can be one of the signs that we can look out for, especially if the child is having trouble sleeping. We should also observe if this persists for more than a week, as it could be one of the signals," she added.

Guevarra-Hocson also cautioned against excessive gadget use, noting that it may have several negative effects on students, including lack of sleep, eye strain, difficulty concentrating, and exposure to negative influences online.

"Excessive gadget use is not necessarily a direct cause, as there are many factors to consider. If children spend too much time on their gadgets, they may also be exposed to negative influences online, aside from experiencing lack of sleep, eye strain, and difficulty concentrating. So, there are many aspects to consider," she said.

Addressing bullying, seeking help

The guidance expert also mentioned the need for schools to respond promptly to reports of bullying, whether it happens between students or involves school personnel.

She said schools need clear protocols, proper investigation procedures, and enough personnel to handle complaints and determine the appropriate intervention.

"It is really important to have protocols in place, especially in schools with discipline offices, so that cases can be investigated immediately," she said.

Once a case has been investigated, counseling may be provided to both the victim and the perpetrator, depending on the findings and circumstances of the case.

For Guevarra-Hocson, creating a mentally healthy school environment should not rest solely on guidance counselors. Teachers, parents, school officials, and trained student peers all have a role to play in making sure young people have someone they can turn to.

She also cited well-being classes and creative activities as ways schools can help students manage emotional tension.

"One of the techniques that we are also doing is that we have a well-being class," she said, adding that journaling and art activities can help students release tension. —MGP, GMA News