Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of maintaining privacy in student interactions?

The principle that emphasizes the importance of maintaining privacy in student interactions is confidentiality. This ethical standard is crucial for school social workers, as it ensures that sensitive information shared by students is protected and not disclosed without their consent. Confidentiality fosters a safe environment where students can freely express their thoughts and feelings without the fear of unauthorized sharing.

By prioritizing confidentiality, school social workers build trust with students, which is essential for effective counseling and support. This principle also aligns with legal and ethical guidelines that govern the practice, such as FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), which safeguards student records.

In contrast, the other principles, while important in their own right, focus on different aspects of professional conduct. Integrity pertains to honesty and moral principles in practice, competence refers to the necessity for practitioners to provide services within their professional capabilities, and respect for diversity emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring individual differences among students. Each of these principles contributes to ethical practice, but confidentiality is specifically about protecting students' private information.