What does confidentiality mean in the context of NASP ethics?

In the context of NASP ethics, confidentiality refers to the ethical obligation to protect student privacy. This principle is foundational in ensuring that personal information about students is kept secure and not disclosed without appropriate consent. By maintaining confidentiality, school psychologists foster a trusting relationship with students and their families, assuring them that sensitive information will not be shared indiscriminately. This helps create a safe environment for students to express themselves without fear of their private thoughts and challenges being exposed.

Other options do not accurately capture the essence of confidentiality. For instance, while sharing information among school staff might be necessary in certain situations, it is not the same as maintaining confidentiality, which emphasizes the protection of individual student privacy. Similarly, while parental consent is often required for certain services, it is not a blanket requirement for confidentiality itself. The time period that information is stored does not define confidentiality either; rather, it pertains to the duration of data retention, not the principles of ethical handling of that information. Understanding these distinctions reinforces the importance of confidentiality in educational settings.