Key Concepts in Counseling Ethics and Practice Exam Practice

Protecting student privacy while ensuring safety and compliance with laws is the guiding principle in school counseling. The counselor’s duty is to keep information about a minor confidential and only share it with guardians or others when allowed by law, school policy, or with the student’s consent. This means disclosing information for specific, legitimate reasons—such as obtaining parental support for the student, or when required by policy or law (for example, to address safety concerns or to fulfill mandated reports)—and sharing only what is necessary. If a student gives consent to involve a parent or guardian, disclosures should still be limited to what is needed to support the student's well-being. It’s also important to follow school policies and applicable laws (like FERPA in many contexts) which outline when and how information can be shared. Sharing all information on request or never sharing with guardians would either violate policy or undermine the student’s support system, and sharing with teachers only, regardless of permissions, ignores the need for appropriate, consent-based disclosure.