Ethically Assisting Students Via Social Media

Social networking creates a new forum for counseling yet poses many ethical challenges. Although educators tout increased student engagement when using social media (Kessler, 2010) and counselors state many advantages to using this cutting edge technology, school counselors realize utilizing social media can pose an ethical grey area. As a result, the use of social media requires much consideration so it is not used in a way that causes harm to individuals or the profession. This article conveys information on the history and prevalence of social media as well as implications of implementing a professional social media page as part of a comprehensive guidance and counseling program in the school setting. A discussion regarding legal and ethical implications is offered to guide school counselors considering the use of social media in counseling.