New Law in Force — A New Era for Child Protection in Hong Kong
The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance will come into effect on 20 January 2026, marking more than a legal change — it represents a strengthened commitment to protecting children in Hong Kong. Together, we are building a stronger safety net for every child.
According to the Social Welfare Department’s 2024 report, there were 1,504 newly registered child abuse cases last year — a 60% increase compared with 940 cases in 2020. Behind these numbers are the unheard cries of countless children. This new law is Hong Kong’s way of saying “No” to child abuse.
Are you ready to understand and take action?
Quick Guide to the New Law
Who Must Report?
Professionals across 25 occupations in the education, social welfare and healthcare sectors are legally required to report suspected serious child abuse cases. This includes teachers, social workers, doctors, nurses and others.
In short, if you are one of these professionals and you come across a child who appears seriously harmed at work, you have a legal duty to report it immediately. This is not a choice — it is a responsibility.
- Education Sector
School teachers, government school staff and principals, Vocational Training Council youth college staff and deans, boarding school wardens - Social Welfare Sector
Social workers, child care workers and supervisors, heads of residential child care homes - Healthcare Sector
Nurses, doctors, dentists, dental hygienists, Chinese medicine practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, medical laboratory technologists, optometrists, radiographers, pharmacists, midwives, chiropractors, speech therapists, dietitians, audiologists, clinical psychologists and educational psychologists
What Counts as “Serious Harm”?
Serious abuse falls into four categories, all of which must be reported:
- Physical Abuse
- Life-threatening or injuries requiring urgent medical care
- Examples: unexplained multiple bruises, cigarette burns, black eyes
- Psychological Abuse
- Harm that threatens a child’s mental health or development
- Examples: parents using threats or intimidation, or harming beloved pets in front of a child
- Sexual Abuse
- Forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities
- Examples: witnessing an employee acting indecently toward a child, or a medical examination revealing signs of sexual assault
- Neglect
- Placing a child in danger or denying essential needs
- Examples: leaving an infant unattended in the kitchen, leaving a child with intellectual disabilities alone at home
I Am a Mandated Reporter — How Do I Report?
If It’s an Emergency— Call 999 immediately.
If your child or a child you know is in danger — don’t wait.
If It’s Not an Emergency —There are three options:
- Call 2343 2255 — Social Welfare Department 24-hour hotline
- Report in person at a police station or Social Welfare Department office for a detailed statement
- Submit a written report through the reporting platform for proper record-keeping
Not Sure If It’s “Serious”?
Consult the Guide for Mandated Reporters developed by the Social Welfare Department. It provides clear frameworks to help you decide. You don’t need to be certain — if you suspect abuse, report it to professionals.
What Parents Need to Know
The new law is designed to protect children, not to punish parents. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Recognise warning signs of potential abusers
- Understand what “serious harm” means under the law
- Teach children about body autonomy and how to seek help
Suspect your child is being abused?
If your child tells you they’ve been hurt, stay calm, listen carefully, and take what they say seriously.
- Emergency: Call 999
- Non-emergency: Call the Social Welfare Department 24-hour hotline: 2343 2255, or contact your child’s school or social worker
What Children Need to Know
If a child is at risk of abuse or has been harmed, how can they seek help?
- In an emergency, call 999 for immediate assistance.
- In other situations, seek help from a trusted adult — such as a parent, teacher, social worker, doctor or nurse.
- Call the Social Welfare Department 24-hour hotline: 2343 2255.
Protecting Children Together We Can
We are committed to promoting long-term child protection policies and building a zero-tolerance culture for abuse, so that every child can grow up safely. Will you stand with children?
Support the call for long-term child protection policies — for a safe, violence-free future for the next generation!
Not do any harm on children
Always be vigilant about whether children around you need help
Advocate for the government to establish long-term child protection policies
Safe Start for Little Seed
We believe protecting children goes beyond legal safeguards, it also means creating an environment where every child can grow up feeling safe and supported. Join us as a child’s Seed Guardian and take action to protect children.
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