PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS IN A SAFE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The article provides a theoretical analysis of the concept of a “safe educational environment.” It has been established that the components of a safe educational environment are physical, psychological, and informational safety. External and internal risk factors for the psychological safety of the educational environment have been identified. It is indicated that psychological support for students includes targeted actions by psychological service specialists and teaching staff aimed at preserving mental health, restoring emotional balance, achieving emotional stability, and increasing their ability to adapt to conditions and use personal resources. It is noted that the provision of psychological support to students in the educational environment should be based on the principles of the primacy of human life as the highest value, comprehensive risk assessment, the mini-max principle, maximum efficiency of management of the system of measures and creation of pedagogical conditions, human rights and justice, the principle of “do no harm,” use of available resources and capabilities, integration of support systems, and multi-level support. The components of psychological support for students are defined as cognitive, affective, and activity-based. The cognitive component involves conducting psychoeducational meetings to raise awareness among participants in the educational process about the importance of caring for physical and mental health. The emotional component is aimed at developing emotional intelligence skills, reflection on one’s own feelings, recognition, identification, acceptance of emotions, and the application of emotional self-regulation techniques and practices. The activity component involves activity, flexibility, competence, and the formation of adaptive personal resources. Ways of providing psychological support to students in a safe educational environment are outlined. Emphasis is placed on the importance of preparing psychological support specialists, especially teachers who are in constant contact with students.