Professional Boundaries

Professional boundaries help keep everyone safe.

An appropriate professional relationship means they should:

• treat you with respect and listen to you
• keep conversations and contact appropriate to their role and what is comfortable for you
• use agreed ways of communication
• respect your personal space and privacy
• not ask you to keep inappropriate secrets or do something inappropriate
• not make sexual comments or behave in a sexual or romantic way towards you
• not use their position to pressure, control or take advantage of you
• be clear about what they can and cannot keep confidential, particularly if they are worried about your safety.

It’s normal to get on well with a teacher, coach or other professional. Being friendly is different from being friends. The professional is responsible for maintaining appropriate boundaries.

If something about a professional’s behaviour makes you feel uncomfortable, confused or pressured, you can speak to another trusted adult, manager, family member or a different professional about it.