What is the best way to explain the limits of confidentiality to a young person?

• A. "I can keep what you tell me to myself unless I have a safety concern."
• B. Confidentiality is absolute and never broken.
• C. I will tell your parents everything.
• D. I can't talk about it at all.

Answer: (A)

Understanding confidentiality limits is essential in youth counseling. The best way to explain it to a young person is to state that privacy is respected, but there are times when information must be shared to keep them or someone else safe. Saying I can keep what you tell me to myself unless I have a safety concern communicates that balance clearly: it preserves trust while outlining a concrete exception where disclosure may occur. It’s better than promising absolute secrecy, or claiming you’ll reveal everything to parents, or saying you can’t talk about it at all. In real conversations you can also note that if a safety issue arises, you’ll discuss who needs to know and why, and you’ll explain the steps taken, since laws or policies may require certain disclosures.