Ethical Principles for School Counselors

1. Integrity

School counselors should act with honesty and integrity in all interactions, ensuring that their decisions are based on professional judgment rather than personal bias.

Example:
A school counselor notices that a student from a well-connected political family is struggling academically. Despite pressure from school management to overlook the student's poor performance, the counselor maintains integrity by offering genuine academic and emotional support instead of bending ethical standards to favor the student.

2. Transparency and Accountability

Counselors should be transparent with all stakeholders about the counseling process, including its goals, the limits of confidentiality, and their role in student development. They should also take responsibility for their actions and decisions.

Example:
In a school, a student shares sensitive personal issues with the counselor. The counselor explains the confidentiality policy while also informing the student that in cases of potential harm (such as self-harm or abuse), they are required to report it to relevant authorities. This ensures transparency while upholding ethical responsibilities.

3. Commitment to Professional Development

Counselors should continually update their knowledge and skills through training and professional development to better serve students, parents, the school, and the community.

Example:
A school counselor in a rural area takes an online certification course in adolescent mental health to better support students facing emotional distress due to migration-related family separations. By actively seeking new knowledge, the counselor ensures that they provide up-to-date and effective guidance.

4. Stakeholder Responsibilities

In today's world, where diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds shape the educational landscape, school counselors play a crucial role in supporting students. They must balance their responsibilities to students, parents, teachers, and the wider community while upholding ethical principles that ensure respectful, effective, and confidential counseling services.