INTERVIEW WITH THE SCHOOL PSYCOLOGIST

 INTERVIEW WITH THE SCHOOL PSYCOLOGIST

By Gogou Fitini

- The integration of psychologists into schools is relatively recent. How do you think you are received by both children and teachers? Is there participation in the sessions?

Teachers in schools welcome psychologists with lots of enthusiasm, as they understand the important role and need for the presence of psychologists in the school environment. They feel relieved as they themselves can share concerns regarding their students and help them appropriately.  As for the students, they have adapted to the presence of either psychologists or social workers in schools, they are positive in collaborating with them. A large percentage of students seek them out to meet with them. However, there is also a small percentage of children who do not approach them due to either possible stigmatization by their classmates or the refusal of their guardians.

 

- To what extent can you intervene in the school and family life of the students?

The role of the school psychologist is supportive and aims to strengthen the sociological and emotional development of students. He or she has the ability to advise and support the family on the effective management of critical situations at the level of individual sessions or groups of relevant interest.

 

- What is your opinion on the use of technology in children's everyday lives? How does it affect their psychology?

It is a fact that technology is taking up an ever-increasing part of children's daily lives. On the one hand, this involvement gives them the necessary skills and knowledge to face tomorrow with advanced technological achievements.  On the other hand, there are also negative effects such as addiction, isolation, and lack of self-esteem that result from the abnormal use of technology. Therefore, we emphasize the supervision that is needed by children's guardians. Teenagers are now familiar with the internet and social media. Through their mobile phones children now communicate, exchange opinions, flirt, get information, take photos, etc. Children's socialization is becoming increasingly connected to technology.

March 2025