Guidance and Counseling: Leading the Way in Student Character Formation

Guidance and Counseling (BK) services are increasingly vital in forming students' character, particularly as digital technology and social media become deeply integrated into their lives. The evolution of digital technology has transformed how children interact, learn, and access information, making social media a daily part of their existence, even at the elementary level. While offering benefits, social media also presents significant challenges, including cyberbullying, gadget addiction, misinformation, and a decline in face-to-face interaction skills.

In this context, BK services play a critical preventive and supportive role, guiding students to use social media wisely. However, the scarcity of dedicated BK teachers in elementary schools poses a major obstacle. Many of these services fall to homeroom teachers, who already manage substantial workloads. Consequently, addressing students' psychological, social, and the negative impacts of social media use is not always maximized, despite elementary school being a crucial period for character development and habit formation.

The misuse of social media among children is increasingly evident, with many spending excessive hours online without adequate supervision. This has led to a rise in both victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying. The situation underscores that character education alone is insufficient; it must be complemented by guidance in navigating the digital world. Data from Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital indicates a year-on-year increase in internet usage among school-aged children, paralleled by a rise in cyberbullying, social media misuse, and exposure to age-inappropriate content.

This trend highlights the urgent need for schools to prioritize students' mental health, character development, and digital literacy. BK teachers are strategically positioned to address these needs. Beyond assisting students with existing problems, they can implement preventive measures through education on social media ethics, digital safety, emotional regulation, communication skills, and positive character building. Furthermore, BK teachers can act as a crucial link between schools, parents, and students, facilitating quicker and more professional problem resolution.