Literature Review: The Role of Counselors in Handling Bullying in School Environments

Abstract

Bullying in schools has become an increasingly concerning phenomenon due to its short- and long-term negative impacts on students' psychological, social, and academic development. Bullying behaviors, which may include physical, verbal, or psychological abuse, not only harm the victims but also disrupt the overall learning climate. School counselors play a strategic role in preventing, addressing, and minimizing the impact of bullying through various counseling interventions. This article aims to review the role of counselors in handling school bullying through a systematic literature review of both national and international studies published within the last ten years. The findings indicate that counselors serve not only as facilitators of individual and group counseling but also as educators, mediators, and advocates for students. Counseling interventions based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), humanistic approaches, and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) have been proven effective in helping victims overcome trauma, build self-confidence, and reduce aggressive behavior among perpetrators. Moreover, counselors play an essential role in fostering a safe school culture by collaborating with teachers, parents, and other stakeholders. Challenges faced include the limited number of school counselors, students' reluctance to report bullying, and the lack of supportive school policies. In conclusion, school counselors hold a central role in creating a bullying-free learning environment through integrative, collaborative, and sustainable counseling approaches