What is one important implication of Kohlberg’s stages of moral development for school counselors?

The implication of Kohlberg’s stages of moral development that centers on helping children learn self-control aligns closely with the developmental focus of school counselors. Kohlberg's theory posits that moral reasoning evolves through various stages, highlighting that children's understanding of right and wrong matures over time. As counselors, it is crucial to facilitate opportunities for students to reflect on their actions, consider the perspectives of others, and develop their moral reasoning skills. This growth fosters self-control, which enables children to navigate social interactions and make ethical decisions. By promoting self-regulation and the ability to assess their behaviors critically, counselors support students in advancing to higher stages of moral reasoning and becoming more ethical individuals. In contrast, strict discipline methods or an emphasis on uniform moral judgments do not account for the individual developmental differences among children and can inhibit their moral growth. Focusing solely on academic performance neglects the holistic development of children, which includes their social and moral education.