‘Expansion of school guidance counselling services key to tackling drugs use amongst second-level students’ – ASTI to tell Oireachtas Committee
The allocation ratio of guidance counsellors to second-level schools is completely inadequate to meet young people’s mental health challenges including substance abuse, the ASTI will tell the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Drugs Use today (Thursday, December 18th 2025).
The ASTI will call for additional supports for schools and students to ensure all young people have ample opportunities to develop resilience skills and to ensure teachers have access to specialist services both within and external to the school.
A coordinated approach to addressing the increased prevalence of mental health issues amongst young people must include:
- Increased allocation of guidance counsellors, so that schools can provide an adequate one-to-one support service for students.
- Professional development for teachers to assist them in dealing with the complexity of today’s classrooms.
- Improved mental health, family support and youth services, ensuring timely referrals and early intervention.
- Smaller class sizes and increased middle management pastoral support roles in schools, to allow for early identification of student issues.
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