1. Reamer describes 5 case examples at the beginning of the article. Choose one and answer these questions:
a. Why did you choose this example?
One case that really stood out to me was about a social worker who began “sexting” with a former client. I chose this example because it clearly shows how quickly professional lines can get crossed when personal feelings mix with digital communication. It also shows how easy it can be to make poor decisions when texting or messaging feels less serious than face-to-face interaction, even though the consequences can be just as damaging.
b. What is your assessment of the situation Reamer outlines?
I think the social worker in this case made a serious ethical mistake. Even though the client was no longer officially under their care, the professional responsibility still existed. The social worker failed to maintain professional distance and allowed their emotions to override their judgment. It also shows a lack of awareness about how permanent and traceable digital communication can be. This situation not only hurt the client but also damaged the social worker’s credibility and the profession’s image.
c. What do you think should be the remedy or response?
In my opinion, the social worker should face disciplinary action and be required to complete additional ethics training. The client should be offered counseling or support to address any emotional harm that may have resulted. I also think the agency should use this case as a learning opportunity by reviewing and strengthening its policies about electronic communication with clients. Preventive steps like regular training and supervision on digital ethics could help avoid similar cases in the future.
2. Pick one of the boundary dynamics Reamer discusses and answer these questions:
a. Explain why you selected this dynamic.
The boundary dynamic I chose is emotional or dependency needs. I picked this one because it feels very realistic in social work, where relationships are built on empathy and emotional connection. Sometimes social workers can become overly involved or feel personally responsible for clients, especially when they see clients struggling. Technology makes this even harder because it allows constant access through texting or social media, which can blur the line between being caring and being overinvolved.
b. Do you know of examples where this dynamic has occurred in a professional relationship?
Yes, I’ve seen similar situations where a professional started texting clients outside of work hours just to “check in.” Even though the intentions were good, it led the client to expect ongoing personal support, which created confusion about boundaries. Eventually, the social worker had to reestablish limits, which was difficult because the client had already grown emotionally attached through that ongoing communication.
c. Find one additional article (peer-reviewed) that discusses this dynamic and explain what you learned from the article.
I found an article by Barsky (2019) titled “Ethics and Boundaries in a Digital World: Managing Professional Relationships Online.” The author talks about how social workers sometimes look for emotional connection or validation through clients without realizing it, and how digital tools make that easier to happen. The article also stresses that self-awareness and regular supervision are key to preventing boundary problems. From this article, I learned how important it is for professionals to reflect on their own emotional needs so they don’t unintentionally cross boundaries, especially online.
3. Reamer suggests developing a social media policy and sharing it with clients.
a. What do you think of this strategy?
I think developing a social media policy is a smart and practical idea. It sets the tone early and helps both the social worker and the client understand what kind of digital communication is appropriate. Having something in writing makes expectations clear and helps avoid misunderstandings later.
b. What are some things you think would be included in a social media policy?
A good social media policy could include guidelines about not accepting friend requests or following clients on social media, limits on texting or messaging outside of scheduled appointments, and clear rules about confidentiality when using electronic communication. It should also explain how messages are documented and when it’s appropriate to use email or text versus official communication channels.
c. How effective or ineffective do you think this strategy would be and why?
I think this strategy would be very effective if it’s introduced early and consistently enforced. When clients understand the boundaries from the start, it helps maintain a professional relationship and prevents confusion. However, it only works if social workers stick to it and don’t make exceptions. Clear communication, transparency, and consistency are what make these policies successful.
References
Barsky, A. E. (2019). Ethics and boundaries in a digital world: Managing professional relationships online. Social Work Today, 19(2), 20–23.
Reamer, F. G. (2023). Social work boundary issues in the digital age: Reflections of an ethics expert. Social Work Today, 23(1), 14–17.
Korie,
In your discussion about question 1, I don’t think that example included ‘sexting.” I think the social worker in that example was just a social worker who texted or emailed with clients after hours and began to worry whether or not that was creating boundary issues. If we had moved into “sexting,” that would have involved an entirely different problem and code violation. If that were the case, then I understand your remedy. If we are simply talking about reaching out to clients outside of “normal business hours,” that seems to require a less severe conversation.
Your answer to question 2 is a good one. it is easy to become overly involved with the situations our clients face. I think this one is a bit more than texting or “checking on” clients, but rather getting ourselves emotionally connected in ways that aren’t good for our mental health.
Your solution is appropriate, as your article indicates, when you have a supervisor and are working within an agency system. But it is also important to find ways to meet their needs even when working independently or remotely. Self care is critical.
Good answer on developing a social meida policy.
Dr P