Empowering Digital Resilience: Exploring the Role of School Psychologists

In an increasingly digital world, students face a variety of online challenges, which necessitates a proactive approach to foster digital resilience. This research seeks to gain insight into the crucial role of school psychologists in promoting digital resilience within educational settings. Thirty-two school psychologists working with students in grades ranging from preschool to high school, from 16 different U.S. states, completed an online questionnaire. An exploratory study revealed that although school psychologists are aware of the significant impact of digital challenges on students, many are not utilizing support mechanisms to help students develop digital resilience skills. Notably, 68.8% of school psychologists have never implemented interventions for digital resilience. The study also found a statistically significant difference in perceptions of how digital challenges affect general education students versus special education students, with the latter being more adversely affected. The majority of school psychologists do not believe digital resilience is adequately addressed in their educational environments. However, they find strategies to be moderately feasible and are highly likely to collaborate with key stakeholders to promote digital resilience in students. By providing school psychologists with practical recommendations and actionable insights, this research aims to create a safer and healthier digital environment for students, ultimately enhancing their well-being and success in the digital age.