The Otago Primary Principals' Association is backing calls for the Government to introduce guidance counsellors to New Zealand primary and intermediate schools.
The New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) believes it could help reduce New Zealand's ''appalling bullying and family violence'' statistics.
NZAC spokeswoman Sarah Maindonald said school guidance counsellors were a first line of defence against bullying, which was often the indicator of a range of other emotional and mental health issues that could grow into longer-term social problems, including family violence.
However, Ms Maindonald said there was no Ministry of Education funding for counsellors in primary and intermediate schools, where research showed bullying could be an issue. And while counsellors worked in secondary schools, they were grossly under-funded.
''Many students who bully, and who are bullied, have low levels of communication and conflict resolution skills, both of which can be addressed in schools through guidance counselling.
''The earlier you identify these children and teach them these skills, the more you ... prevent long-term ill effects.
''These children, both the bully and the bullied, are better adjusted with increased skills as adolescents and young adults, and less at risk in the longer term of creating problems for themselves and for others in their community.
''Extrapolate that even further and you can have an impact on New Zealand's appalling rate of family violence and child abuse.''
Ms Maindonald said if all pupils had access to a trained professional who could support them and their family from an early age to improve communication and relationships skills, New Zealand would be making a positive investment that would pay significant dividends for society.
''Counselling in schools is proven to reduce students' psychological stress and enable greater engagement in learning.''
Otago Primary Principals' Association president Whetu Cormick said all schools, not just those in Otago, would welcome increased funding to support pupils with counselling needs.
''Every day, schools work tirelessly to help students with their skills to communicate and resolve conflict. Extending resources such as social workers in school and [having] guidance counsellors in every school would help greatly.''
Ministry of Education deputy secretary, regional operations, Katrina Casey said a guidance counsellor was not always a full-time designated role. Many schools often assigned the role to an experienced teacher, member of staff or one of the management team.
''Schools are able to use their operational budget to fund specialist guidance counsellors if they believe there is a need.
"The ministry works closely with other agencies, including Child Youth and Family Services and the Ministry of Health, where appropriate, to ensure schools have the necessary support where a specific need is identified.''
She said a range of support networks for pupils with behavioural or emotional needs was already available.
The ministry is considering recommendations contained in an Education Review Office review of guidance counselling, she said.
