I think that offering basic counselling support can be part of a teacher’s role, especially in contexts where professional counsellors are not available. Teachers are often the first to notice when a student is struggling, so skills like active listening, empathy, and supportive communication are very important. However, I believe that more serious emotional or psychological issues should be handled by trained specialists when possible.

There are some risks involved in teachers taking on this role. For example, teachers may not have enough training to respond appropriately to complex situations, which could lead to misunderstandings or unintended harm. There is also the risk of emotional burden on teachers, as supporting students’ difficulties can be stressful.

In my context, counselling support is limited, so teachers often provide informal support to students. To improve this, schools would benefit from basic training in counselling skills such as active listening, questioning techniques, and recognizing when to refer students to external support services. It would also be helpful to have clearer systems in place for referral and collaboration with professionals if available.

Overall, I think teachers should be equipped with basic counselling skills, but also supported with training and external resources to ensure students receive the best possible care.