Govt Rejects Compulsory Abuse Reporting For Schools

Education Secretary Kevin Yeung has brushed aside legislators’ calls to make it compulsory for schools to report suspected child abuse cases, saying it’s not fair to rely solely on teachers because “children after all only spend a few hours in school”.

At a Legislative Council meeting on Friday, New People’s Party lawmaker Eunice Yung asked whether the government could give schools more resources or provide more guidelines for them to better identify suspected child abuse cases.

Roundtable lawmaker Michael Tien also asked whether the administration would take reference from other jurisdictions that make it mandatory for schools to report such cases.

The issue is in the spotlight after a couple were recently convicted of murdering their five-year-old daughter.

During the trial, the court heard evidence that teachers failed to contact the authorities despite signs that the girl and her elder brother were being abused.

In Legco, Yeung said if compulsory reporting is imposed, it should not be limited to schools.

He said the matter therefore requires more detailed discussions within the government and the wider society.

“We cannot require schools to be solely responsible for identification, after all, a child only spends a few hours in school, the school can only do its best,” Yeung said.

“We cannot pass the responsibility of identification entirely to schools. Everyone around a child should be on the lookout for possible signs.”

“It shouldn’t be limited to schools. Let’s say when doctors have picked up signs during consultation, do they have a duty? And also for social workers and youth workers,” Yeung added.

When pressed on whether he would follow up on the lawmakers’ suggestions, the secretary made it clear that this was not within his mandate.

“The Labour and Welfare Bureau is responsible for children’s policy,” he said. “Children’s policy is not coordinated by my bureau. I can convey your views to the relevant bureau.”