When can a school psychologist restrict confidentiality for a minor, and how do you communicate limits to students and families?

• A. In cases of danger to self or others, abuse, court-ordered disclosures; explain limits clearly, provide written policy, and obtain assent and parental consent as appropriate.
• B. Disclose confidential information to all parents without consent.
• C. Ignore confidentiality limits in emergencies.
• D. Assent is not required for minors.

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality for minors has protective exceptions that allow you to share information when it’s necessary for safety or legal reasons. You can restrict confidentiality in cases of danger to the student or others, abuse or neglect, or when a court or legal process requires disclosures. In those situations, it’s essential to explain the limits clearly to both the student in language they can understand and to the family, provide a written notice or policy that outlines what information may be shared and with whom, and obtain assent from the student and parental consent as appropriate before sharing. This approach helps balance the student’s right to privacy with safety and the school’s responsibility to support learning and well-being, and you should document what was shared and why. The other options aren’t appropriate because they bypass these boundaries, ignore emergencies, or assume assent isn’t needed—practical and ethical practice requires clear communication, appropriate consent, and, when necessary, lawful disclosures.