Actualizing the Impact of Counselling Services on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Public Primary Schools in Bagamoyo District

This study examined the impact of counselling services on preventing sexual harassment in public primary schools in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania. Specifically, it assessed the availability of counselling services, pupils’ access to counselling, and the contribution of counselling services to preventing sexual harassment. The study was guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (1979) and employed a mixed-methods approach using a convergent parallel design. A sample of 159 participants was selected using simple random and purposive sampling techniques, guided by the Yamane formula and Bowley’s proportionate allocation. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observation checklists. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that counselling services were available in most schools, although some pupils had limited access to them. Counselling services addressed academic challenges, personal problems, and harassment-related issues. The findings further showed that counselling helped pupils feel safer, understand their rights, receive emotional support, and gain confidence to report sexual harassment. Parents also identified confidential reporting, awareness creation, and the promotion of respectful school environments as important contributions of counselling services. However, barriers such as stigma, inadequate counselling personnel, limited access to services, and weaknesses in child protection practices hindered their effectiveness. The study concludes that counselling services play an important role in preventing sexual harassment by promoting awareness, emotional well-being, reporting, and pupils’ safety. It recommends strengthening school counselling services, training teachers and counsellors, establishing confidential reporting mechanisms, and enhancing collaboration among schools, parents, and community stakeholders to ensure safe learning environments for all pupils.