A new bill in Utah raised concerns about parental control over therapy sessions in schools. House Bill 281 will allow parents to determine which topics can be excluded from school therapeutic sessions.
On Feb. 3, 2025, legislation that would permit parents to set limits on subjects discussed in therapy sessions held in schools made its way through a significant house committee vote.
Proponents have argued that parental rights are an honor of Utah’s longstanding family values.
“Parents are the primary decision-makers when it comes to their children’s welfare,” said Rep. Stephanie Grious, the bill’s sponsor. “They deserve to know what is being discussed in therapy.”
The hearing lasted nearly 90 minutes, and elected members hardly saw eye to eye. Critics envision the restriction of topics as limiting, undermining the open dialogue which is critical to effective therapy.
Others called the bill a necessary protection for parent oversight, while mental health experts argued that this measure would undermine the safe and open environment for true therapeutic conversation.
Counselors do not expect therapy to be effective when privilege holders must inform parents when the information is contrary to the best interest of the child.
“If discussions on topics such as sexual abuse or suicidal thoughts are banned, we run the risk of missing critical warning signs that could save lives,” said Sarah Stroup of the Utah Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
The committee decision advanced this bill to the House floor to ensure parental control does not compete against student mental health within the walls of a safe and supportive environment.
“I want to be sure that my child isn’t exposed to subjects that I feel are inappropriate for their age,” said local parent, Brooke Stephens. “It’s about protecting our kids while still providing them with necessary support.”
Author: Scierra Ganter
Photographer: Anna Mower
Editor: Anna Mower
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