School counselors and school social workers have an ethical and legal obligation to keep student information confidential. A student's right to privacy and confidentiality is the basis for an effective relationship between the student and school counselor/social worker. Confidentiality ensures that school counselors/social workers won't share students' disclosures with others except when the student authorizes it or when there is a clear and present danger to the student and/or to other persons.
Virtual school counseling/social work sessions do pose potential limitations such as unsecured electronic communication platforms, unintended viewers or recipients, and inappropriate use of electronic modes of communication by students, staff and parents. Expectations listed in the GFA Student Handbook regarding school appropriate conduct also apply to the virtual learning setting.