There will be school counseling and social work in schools.

This Circular takes effect from October 31, 2025, replacing Circular No. 31/2017/TT-BGDDT on guidelines for psychological counseling for students in general schools and Circular No. 33/2018/TT-BGDDT on social work in schools.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training , the recent issuance of Circular No. 31/2017/TT-BGDDT and Circular No. 33/2018/TT-BGDDT dated December 26, 2018 has created a legal framework for psychological counseling and social work in schools. This has contributed to helping counseling and support activities for students in general schools to be focused on, implemented more effectively, and forming a network to support students facing risks of psychological and social difficulties in studying, training, psychology and life.

However, the implementation still faces many difficulties and limitations in terms of human resources, facilities, and funding. At the same time, the parallel existence of two circulars with overlapping scope and content also leads to overlap, causing confusion in implementation for many schools.

Enhance learners' capacity

The new circular clearly defines the purpose of school counseling and social work as improving learners' capacity to prevent, identify difficulties, resolve and seek appropriate assistance to overcome difficulties in learning, psychology and social relationships. At the same time, training life skills, strengthening willpower, courage, improving physical and mental health; forming appropriate attitudes in social relationships, contributing to perfecting learners' personalities.

The Circular also strengthens coordination between schools, families, society and relevant organizations, units and individuals regarding school counseling and social work in schools.

Regarding the principles of implementing school counseling and social work in schools, the Circular identifies learners as the center, with their legitimate rights, information safety and security, and the right to participate, volunteer, and make their own decisions guaranteed.

Counseling activities must be conducted objectively, equally, and without discrimination; respecting personal characteristics, taking advantage of strengths and available resources of learners, families, and society; appropriate to regional socio -economic and cultural conditions; and especially must be timely and effective when learners encounter difficulties.

Diversify content and forms of school psychological counseling

The Circular specifies the content of school counseling and social work in schools, including many important areas closely linked to the practical needs of learners.

Including consulting and support on learning issues (determining goals, building study plans; time management, choosing learning methods, etc.); on gender, social relationships (age psychology, gender, gender equality, reproductive health; friendship, love, marriage, family relationships, etc.); on psychology (prevention, screening, early detection; counseling, psychological consultation for learners with psychological difficulties); on life skills (cognitive skills, mastery, self-protection; skills to master emotional intelligence; interaction skills, social integration, etc.); on career guidance, employment, entrepreneurship; on policies, laws; on social work services for learners.

In terms of form, the Circular stipulates that school counseling and social work in schools can be carried out directly or online.

Educational institutions are responsible for establishing a system for receiving and exchanging information; coordinating with families, society, and relevant agencies to promptly receive information about situations and risks of learning difficulties, psychology, social relationships, or other difficulties of learners.

In addition, educational institutions can also organize communication activities and prevention programs; provide information on policies and laws; provide guidance on the use of school counseling and social work services; and organize activities to support the development of learners.

The People's Committees at the provincial and communal levels are responsible for directing, arranging, allocating personnel, funding, and facilities, and at the same time developing a coordination mechanism and organizing inspection and supervision of the implementation of school counseling and social work in schools according to regulations.

The Department of Education and Training advises on the development and implementation of policies for school counselors and social workers in schools; develops coordination mechanisms; organizes training and capacity building for staff and inspects and evaluates implementation at educational institutions under its management.

For educational institutions, the head must be directly responsible for establishing a consulting team or department, arranging a consulting room, assigning full-time or part-time staff, developing an annual consulting work plan, and mobilizing legal resources for implementation.