With an increasing number of teens and young adults facing anxiety and depression, all schools should be required to offer “safe spaces” for their students. School counselors are often available by appointment only, and it can be challenging for students to ask their teacher for a pass to go see their counselor since it often requires them to state their intent.
The average student-to-counselor ratio in 2016 in Washington was 510:1, with the recommended ratio being 250:1 (http://tinyurl.com/y5w3or8u). Counselors who work at schools with such high student-to-counselor ratios often are swamped and constantly fighting to stay afloat. Rather than forming a relationship and getting to know their students, they are stuck battling scheduling issues and doing paperwork. Students are less likely to confide in their counselors when they do not have a relationship with them.
By creating a law that requires schools to maintain reasonable student-to-counselor ratios, both parties will benefit; students will receive help and counselors will be able to focus on their students. It is not always possible for schools to have so many counselors on staff, and safe spaces are the next best option for students in need.
