Paedagoria : Jurnal Kajian, Penelitian dan Pengembangan Kependidikan
Vol 17, No 3 (2026): July

Characteristics of Students as Digital Natives: Opportunities and Challenges for the Guidance and Counselling Profession

Andre Julius (Universitas Ma’soem)
Muthahharah Thahir (Universitas Ma’soem)
Dwi Risma Sari (Universitas Ma’soem)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 Jul 2026

Abstract

Understanding the student's character is key to the success of counselling  services. It is not uncommon for guidance and counselling  teachers to receive requests from clients due to differences in perspectives between generations. Generation Z and Alpha are the clients targeted by guidance and counselling  services today, so that in addition to understanding the problems, guidance and counselling  teachers must also understand how to view these digital native generations. This study aims to conceptually examine the characteristics of Generation Z and Alpha as clients, while also identifying the opportunities and challenges facing the guidance and counselling  profession. The study was conducted using a systematic literature review method specifically using SINTA and SCOPUS indexed articles as references. The results show that Generation Z and Alpha as clients have a high attachment to digital technology, good awareness of mental health issues, but are vulnerable in communication, problem-solving, and social relationships. These characteristics encourage the guidance and counselling  profession to develop flexible, accessible, and technology-based services, but at the same time demand a transformation of paradigms, competencies, and counselling  practices to remain client-cantered. The main challenge lies in meaningful counselling relationships, as well as strengthening identity and belonging in clients.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

paedagoria

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

Theoretical studies, research and development of teaching materials, activities, models or learning media in the field of education include mathematics and natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, science, ICT, and its applications); (2) social science, history, geography, culture and economy; ...