Social media, AI and misogyny among emerging concerns for students, guidance counsellors say

Anxiety remains the most prevalent mental health difficulty among students noted by the counsellors. File picture

School guidance counsellors have expressed concern at the potential harm posed to students by emerging and evolving challenges including excessive social media use and the growing presence of AI in their everyday lives. 

Anxiety remains the most prevalent mental health difficulty among students noted by the counsellors, according to a survey carried out by Walk in My Shoes, an education initiative of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services.

This was followed by self-harming behaviours and suicidal ideation, and low mood and depression.

However, roughly two-thirds (66%) of those taking part said they have noticed new or emerging, and potentially harmful, behavioural trends over the past year.

The most commonly cited trends included excessive or harmful social media or online use; increased misogynistic behaviours; increased withdrawal from social interactions and lack of social skills; and increased school avoidance.

The ever-growing impact of digital technologies is of particular concern among school staff, with 100% of survey respondents saying they believe technology such as social media and AI has affected student wellbeing.

All survey respondents also believe that these technologies have affected students’ learning; approximately 50% of respondents noted a lack of focus and poor concentration among students as a result of social media and digital technologies.

Schools seeking more support

"Taken together, these findings provide a wider picture of the pressures and influences young people are navigating today and the implications for their mental health and wellbeing," said Carol McCormack, clinical nurse manager at St Patrick’s Mental Health Services’ Willow Grove Adolescent Unit. 

"Schools are doing important work every day to support students, and it is essential that they are equipped with the necessary resources, knowledge and support to respond to these challenges. By working together across schools, families, communities and services, we can support young people to better navigate these challenges and protect their mental health and wellbeing.”

Approximately 91% of respondents noted that they find the mental health programmes and initiatives currently used in their school somewhat or very effective.

At the same time, they also called for more supports and training for staff, greater time allocation for guidance counselling sessions, increased opportunities for one-to-one time with students, and more practical resources to support mental health within schools.