Transforming Guidance and Counseling Services to Enhance Junior High School Students’ Digital Literacy in the 21st Century: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technology in the 21st century has transformed the educational landscape, requiring students to possess comprehensive digital literacy skills. Consequently, the role of guidance and counseling (BK) services has become increasingly important in supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional adaptation in digital environments. This study aims to synthesize research trends, challenges, and future directions related to the transformation of BK services in enhancing digital literacy among junior high school students through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The review analyzed 10 articles published between 2018 and early 2026 using the PRISMA framework, sourced from major academic databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Taylor & Francis. The findings reveal a indicate a clear shift from conventional to digital-based counseling services, including the integration of e-counseling, digital platforms, and technology-supported interventions. Key trends include the digitalization of counseling services, the transformation of counselors into digital literacy facilitators, and the growing importance of digital literacy as a core 21st-century competency. However, several challenges remain, such as digital competence gaps, limited infrastructure, and increasing digital risks including cyberbullying. Future research directions emphasize the development of AI-based counseling models and the integration of digital well-being to support students’ psychological resilience. This study concludes that innovative and adaptive BK services are essential for fostering critical, ethical, and responsible digital citizens.