Minors’ Right to Confidentiality: Addressing the Issue of Bullying and the Ethical Obligation to Prevent Harm

Abstract

This article explores the research and studies being conducted on the phenomenon of classic and cyberbullying and how it has grown into an international issue. To address this growing issue, intervention and support may be necessary for both the bully and the victim. The impact of long-term victimization can be very detrimental to the health and psychological welfare of those who experience it. Victims have retaliated and killed innocent people out of anger and rage at their circumstances. This has brought what was once considered a schoolyard problem directly into the middle of the community at large. Bullies themselves are often victims, usually in other realms of their lives. Family has an enormous impact on bullying behavior. Many bullies come from homes where discipline is physical, members are hostile, and parents are permissive when dealing with the child’s aggressive or arrogant behaviors. It has become apparent that supports beyond the home and school setting must become engaged to address the varying factors that contribute to the issue of bullying. Although minor youth are certainly awarded the right to privacy and confidentiality, school counselors and other staff members must not forget their ethical obligation to prevent harm.

Keywords:

• Cyberbully
• bullying
• ethics and minors
• confidentiality and minors