How do counselors typically address conflicts among students?

Counselors typically address conflicts among students by taking a proactive and constructive approach. This means that they work to understand the underlying issues causing the conflict and facilitate communication between the parties involved. By encouraging open dialogue and teaching conflict resolution skills, counselors help students express their feelings, develop empathy, and find collaborative solutions. This approach not only resolves the immediate conflict but also equips students with the tools they need to manage similar situations in the future, fostering a more positive school environment.

Promoting competition and rivalry would be counterproductive in conflict resolution, as it can exacerbate tensions rather than encourage collaboration. Avoiding involvement in disputes does not help students develop necessary interpersonal skills and can leave conflicts unresolved. Similarly, escalating issues to school administration without first attempting to mediate can lead to an adversarial environment and discourage students from developing effective problem-solving strategies on their own.