A bill has been introduced in the State Duma of Russia that aims to ensure the confidentiality of information shared by children during consultations with school psychologists. This initiative, spearheaded by the deputies of the Altai Regional Legislative Assembly, seeks to amend the existing regulations under Article 42 of the law "On Education in the Russian Federation." Currently, this article does not contain provisions that prohibit psychologists from disclosing sensitive information provided by minors during their sessions.
According to RIA Novosti, the authors of the initiative highlight a significant gap in federal legislation, stating that it does not classify the information shared by minors as legally protected. This lack of protection could potentially deter children from seeking psychological help, as they may fear that their personal information could be disclosed.
The proposed amendment to Article 42 of the federal law, enacted on December 29, 2012, No. 273-FZ, would introduce a requirement for psychological, pedagogical, medical, and social assistance to be provided to children only with the written consent of their parents or legal guardians. This change underscores the principle of confidentiality, which the authors argue is essential for building trust between children and psychologists.
In the explanatory note accompanying the bill, it is emphasized that the new regulation would bolster the constitutional right to privacy, particularly concerning the personal and family lives of school-age children. The authors believe that by ensuring confidentiality, children's trust in psychologists and educators will increase, leading to greater accessibility to psychological support.
Recent research conducted by the Children's Public Council under the Commissioner for Children's Rights in the Altai Territory revealed critical insights into the perspectives of local children regarding psychological assistance. Many children expressed concerns about the potential breach of confidentiality when seeking help from psychologists and teacher-psychologists. This apprehension, the authors of the bill argue, is a significant factor contributing to children's reluctance to approach mental health professionals.
"We believe that this is one of the reasons why children do not turn to specialists in this field," the document states, highlighting the urgent need for legislative action to protect minors' sensitive information.
The proposed changes are seen as a vital step in ensuring that children feel safe and secure when seeking psychological help. By reinforcing the confidentiality of their disclosures, the bill aims to create an environment where children can openly discuss their issues without fear of repercussions.
As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it is likely to spark discussions about the broader implications of confidentiality in educational settings. Advocates for children's rights have long argued that protecting minors' privacy is crucial for their emotional well-being and development.
Furthermore, the initiative aligns with growing global trends emphasizing the importance of confidentiality in mental health services, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents. As awareness of mental health issues continues to rise, the need for protective measures becomes increasingly apparent.
In conclusion, the introduction of this bill marks a significant development in the landscape of children's mental health services in Russia. By addressing the critical issue of confidentiality, lawmakers hope to foster a more supportive environment for children seeking psychological assistance, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being.
