Digital media in guidance and counseling services for elementary students’ development: A systematic literature review
The integration of digital media into guidance and counseling (G&C) services has created new opportunities to support the developmental needs of elementary school students, yet evidence on the types of media used, the developmental outcomes supported, and the conditions influencing implementation remains fragmented. This systematic literature review synthesized empirical evidence on the integration of digital media into elementary school G&C services, following the PRISMA 2020 framework. Literature published between 2020 and 2026 was identified through Scopus, Garuda, Sinta-indexed journals, Google Scholar, and journal repositories. After screening and eligibility assessment, 15 empirical studies were included and analyzed using qualitative content analysis and thematic synthesis according to digital media types, developmental domains, and implementation conditions. Audiovisual and animated media were the most frequently reported formats, followed by interactive and mobile applications, while e-comics, digital storytelling, websites, virtual media, and augmented reality represented emerging forms. The studies addressed personal-emotional, social-behavioral, character, career, and linguistic development. Several reported positive developmental changes, but much of the evidence concerned media validity, practicality, usability, and implementation rather than controlled evidence of effectiveness. Accessibility, technological infrastructure, teacher and counselor readiness, user acceptance, and stakeholder support emerged as key implementation conditions. Digital media may support elementary G&C services when matched with developmental needs and implementation contexts, but current evidence does not support broad claims of effectiveness, so digital tools are best used as complementary, human-guided components of services. Future research should employ larger samples, controlled and longitudinal designs, and systematic evaluation of implementation and sustainability.
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