In which situation must a school counselor break confidentiality?

A school counselor must break confidentiality when there is an imminent risk of harm to the student or others. This principle is rooted in ethical and legal obligations that prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals. When a counselor becomes aware of situations where a student may harm themselves or others, they are required to take appropriate action to prevent that harm. This may include informing parents, law enforcement, or mental health professionals to ensure the safety of the student and the broader community.

In contrast, situations involving academic concerns do not inherently require breaking confidentiality, as they do not pose a direct risk to safety. Additionally, while parents may request information about their child, counselors must consider the limits of confidentiality based on the nature of the information and the age of the student. Lastly, violations of school policies typically do not rise to the level of imminent harm and therefore do not necessitate breaching confidentiality. The critical factor is the presence of immediate risk, which obligates the counselor to act to protect those at risk.