Studying via virtual platforms for a long time due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has had certain psychological effects on pupils. Therefore, schools citywide have carefully prepared interesting activities, counselling and support during online as well as in-person learning to relieve stress for school children.

Teachers and pupils of Vo Thi Sau Primary School, Hai Chau District, in an online Halloween carnival. Photo: NGOC HA

Numerous psychological problems affect pupils

It can't be denied that being confined in a living space, studying online for a long time, not being exposed to the outside world much as before have caused mental inhibition as well as psychological effects on school children. Besides, spending too much time scrolling down social media on their phones has also affected their health, even making them addicted to games and social networks.

According to teacher Le The Toan, Secretary of the Youth Union of Son Tra senior high school, at present, social networking sites contains a lot of unofficial information influencing thoughts, feelings or having a high risk of sexual abuse in cyberspace so it is difficult for pupils to filter all information themselves. Consequently, with the intention to support pupils, the school’s Youth Union has organized themed activities, providing useful information and life skills such as propaganda against drugs and social evils; organizing forum 'building nice friendship - say no to school violence'.

As shared by Ms Le Thi Hoang Chinh, Principal of Chu Van An Secondary School, Thanh Khe District, 6^_th graders who have to approach new subjects during the period of transitioning from primary school to junior high school are easily under pressure due to unprepared mentality. Therefore, homeroom teachers, the youth union-related organizations, the school's psychological counselling division have provided timely support in installing equipment, transferring learning materials, and giving guidance to pupils on how to learn so that they do not have a crisis during this tough time.

Foster more consulting and support activities

The Ministry of Education and Training has already sent an official dispatch to the Departments of Education and Training; universities, academies, pedagogical colleges on psychological support of students and pupils in the context of complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, in tandem with organizing online training for staff and teachers in senior high schools. This is the basis for educational units to promote and enhance the role of psychological counselling and social work divisions in schools.

Psychological support helps students improve their understanding of themselves, their family circumstances as well as social relationships around them, thereby increasing their positive emotions and helping them have the ability to make decisions on their own when encountering any difficult situations. Therefore, teachers and consultants need to be the ones to guide, support and be companions of school children

“Preparing proactive plans as well as sending teachers to participate in counselling training to support pupils' psychology in the prolonged COVID-19 context is essential. Besides the school, parents also play an important role in instilling in their children a positive outlook on life by taking examples from good things happening every day. Moreover, pupils and parents do not hesitate to call hotlines to get help from psychologists and social workers as soon as possible,” said Psychologist Dr Nguyen Thi Hang Phuong, the University of Education- University of Da Nang

Reporting by NGOC HA- Translating by T.VY