Core Ethical Standards for Guiding Young People
Working with young people as a mentor carries significant responsibility. These relationships can shape lives, making ethical conduct non-negotiable. Below are practical guidelines to ensure your mentoring remains professional, safe, and beneficial.
Putting Mentee Safety First
Your primary duty is to protect the young person in your care. This means:
- Never putting them in physical or emotional danger
- Avoiding situations that could be misinterpreted
- Being alert to signs of distress or harm
- Following all organizational safety protocols
Handling Sensitive Information
Confidentiality builds trust but has limits. At your first meeting:
- Explain what information stays private
- Clarify when you’d need to share concerns (e.g., safety risks)
- Discuss how you’ll store any personal details
- Reassure them you’ll talk first if concerns arise
Maintaining Clear Boundaries
Professional distance protects both mentor and mentee. Keep these boundaries:
- Meet in appropriate public or supervised spaces
- Keep communication through official channels
- Avoid giving expensive gifts
- Don’t share overly personal information
Demonstrating Integrity
Young people learn from your actions. Model ethical behavior by:
- Being honest about what you can/can’t help with
- Admitting when you don’t know something
- Showing up when promised
- Following through on commitments
Ensuring Fair Treatment
Every young person deserves equal respect. Practice inclusion by:
- Learning about different backgrounds
- Challenging your own assumptions
- Adapting your approach when needed
- Speaking up against discrimination
Responding to Concerns
If you suspect harm or ethical violations:
- Document what you’ve observed
- Consult your program coordinator
- Follow organizational reporting procedures
- Support the mentee through the process
Real-Life Scenario
A mentor discovers their mentee has been skipping school to work. After discussing confidentiality limits, they:
- Explore why the mentee feels this is necessary
- Contact the program coordinator for guidance
- Connect the family with community resources
- Help the mentee develop a balanced schedule
Monthly Ethics Checkup
Ask yourself these questions regularly:
- Have I kept all appointments and commitments?
- Is our relationship appropriately professional?
- Would I feel comfortable explaining my actions to the program staff?
- Am I helping without creating dependence?
- Does the mentee seem comfortable and safe?
References: W.T. Grant Foundation, University of Massachusetts Boston, APA, Journal of Learning Analytics, MENTOR National
