How should a PSS handle digital communication with clients?

• A. Maintain professional boundaries, obtain consent for channels, and protect privacy; avoid oversharing.
• B. Share medical details with all followers to increase transparency.
• C. Respond to every message immediately, regardless of context.
• D. Use informal language to build closeness.

Answer: (A)

Maintaining professional boundaries and protecting privacy are essential when communicating with clients online. The best approach is to use approved, secure channels, obtain explicit consent from the client about which platforms will be used, and limit information to what is necessary for the support being provided. This helps preserve confidentiality, prevents boundary issues, and maintains the trust essential to the helping relationship. Oversharing personal or medical details in public or unsecured spaces can violate privacy; trying to respond to every message immediately or using overly informal language can blur boundaries and undermine professionalism. Stick to clear, professional communication within agreed channels, respect privacy, and involve a supervisor if a situation requires more formal handling.