Which communication medium should be avoided by school counselors to prevent dual relationships?

Texting students directly is the most appropriate choice to avoid dual relationships in the context of school counseling. This mode of communication can create informal connections that blur the boundaries between a counselor's professional role and their personal interactions with students.

Texting establishes a more personal and immediate line of communication that may lead to ambiguity in the counselor-student relationship. It can foster an environment where students might feel encouraged to share personal issues or seek a level of interaction that is outside the professional scope, which can compromise the ethical standards of maintaining clear and appropriate boundaries.

On the other hand, email communication with parents, school newsletters, and phone calls regarding significant issues are more formal and structured forms of communication. These methods typically maintain professional boundaries, ensuring that interactions remain focused on the educational and emotional support that the counselors are meant to provide. Thus, while each method has its significance, direct texting poses a higher risk of developing dual relationships that can impact the integrity of the counseling process.