Over 100,000 professionals in Hong Kong, including teachers, social workers, and doctors, are required by law to report any suspected child abuse cases they detect.

The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Bill was passed on Thursday. It mandates professionals in 25 designated fields to report any cases of suspected child abuse they may come across during their professional and daily lives. The bill defines a child as a person under the age of 18.

The bill requires professionals in 25 designated fields including teachers, social workers, and healthcare practitioners to report any cases of child abuse they may come across during their professional and daily lives

The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Bill was passed on Thursday. It mandates professionals in 25 designated fields to report any cases of suspected child abuse they may come across during their professional and daily lives. The bill defines a child as a person under the age of 18.

The legislation introduces a two-tier penalty system for those professionals who fail to fulfill their duty. The maximum penalty for noncompliance is three months in prison and a fine of HK$50,000 ($6,403).

The compulsory reporting system will begin operation 18 months after the law was signed by the chief executive and gazetted.

ALSO READ: Child cruelty: Higher penalties necessary to protect the most vulnerable

The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Bill was passed on Thursday. It mandates professionals in 25 designated fields to report any cases of suspected child abuse they may come across during their professional and daily lives. The bill defines a child as a person under the age of 18.

The legislation introduces a two-tier penalty system for those professionals who fail to fulfill their duty. The maximum penalty for noncompliance is three months in prison and a fine of HK$50,000 ($6,403).

The compulsory reporting system will begin operation 18 months after the law was signed by the chief executive and gazetted.

READ MORE: Child abuse: a hidden problem

The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Bill was passed on Thursday. It mandates professionals in 25 designated fields to report any cases of suspected child abuse they may come across during their professional and daily lives. The bill defines a child as a person under the age of 18.

The legislation introduces a two-tier penalty system for those professionals who fail to fulfill their duty. The maximum penalty for noncompliance is three months in prison and a fine of HK$50,000 ($6,403).

The compulsory reporting system will begin operation 18 months after the law was signed by the chief executive and gazetted.

stephyzhang@chinadailyhk.com