Is Facebook a risk for your speech pathology practice?

Facebook has evolved greatly over time, and so has our use of it. Gone are the days of it simply being used to chat with friends and share holiday photos. Professional use of Facebook has grown to the point where many people expect businesses to have a Facebook presence.

With ever-evolving algorithms, features, and account settings, it can be difficult to stay on top of best and safe practices. Most concerningly, these changes can lead to misunderstanding the many risks and issues all businesses — including speech pathology practices — need to consider before creating a professional Facebook account.

Reasons for a Facebook account

Creating a business Facebook account simply because others have one isn’t reason enough. As with all decisions in your speech pathology business, this should be a strategic choice. Carefully consider the pros, cons, and especially the risks, as issues can quickly escalate due to how content spreads online.

Your speech pathology practice should have a process and policy covering:

  • What information will be shared?
  • How responses to comments will be managed
  • Who is responsible for managing the account
  • How client permission will be obtained and recorded if posting information about clients
  • Who ensures the content is appropriate and compliant with advertising standards

Ethics of posting information about clients

It’s increasingly common to see practices share client information on Facebook. Even with permission from the client or their parents, it’s important to consider whether it’s ethical or professionally appropriate.

Before posting about client progress, ask:

  • Can the information be shared without identifying the client?
  • Is there any real benefit in identifying them?
  • Who will see the post? Could friends or acquaintances of the client see it?
  • If the client is a child, how might they feel about this as they get older?

Client permission alone isn’t always enough. The reasons for sharing and potential implications should be carefully evaluated.

Is Facebook a risk for your speech pathology practice?

Blurring of professional boundaries

Social media platforms like Facebook can blur professional boundaries. Informal online communication may differ from face-to-face interactions and could affect how clients perceive the relationship. It can also result in clients attempting to contact clinicians through personal accounts. Always maintain professional separation in all communications.

Privacy

Privacy on Facebook is limited. Keep in mind:

  • Posts and comments can be screenshotted and saved — they are never truly deleted.
  • >Privacy within groups can’t be guaranteed. Fake accounts can infiltrate private groups.
  • If you wouldn’t want a regulator, client, colleague, or competitor to see it — don’t post it.

Appropriate use of social media for advertising

Speech Pathology Australia has a Code of Ethics – Advertising Policy that outlines appropriate use of social media and other advertising platforms. The same level of professionalism and care in language and information is expected across all forms of advertising, including Facebook.

You can access this policy on the Speech Pathology Australia website: speechpathologyaustralia.org.au.

Seeking advice

Before using Facebook to seek or share professional advice — even in “closed” or private groups — consider whether that forum is appropriate.

While peer support is valuable, Facebook groups may not be suitable for discussing client-specific information. Risks include:

  • Confidentiality breaches
  • Inadequate clinical context for accurate advice
  • Incorrect or inappropriate guidance being shared or followed

Speech pathologists have an ethical obligation to follow evidence-based practice. General clinical discussions may be appropriate on social media, but for client-specific situations, seek advice through professional supervision or formal consultation channels.

Download pdf

Similar Articles