In his latest Policy Address, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu highlighted the government’s strong commitment to child protection and its readiness to safeguard children from abuse through comprehensive legislative and policy measures.
This commitment is not only a moral imperative but also a societal responsibility that reflects the values we hold as a community. A key initiative within this framework is the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance, which was passed in July and is set to take effect in January 2026. This ordinance represents a significant step forward in the fight against child abuse, reinforcing the idea that protecting children is a collective effort that requires the participation of various stakeholders.
During the 18-month transitional period leading up to the ordinance’s implementation, the government will take proactive steps to arrange the necessary support systems. This includes assisting various sectors and industries in meeting their legal responsibilities under the new law, as well as enhancing societal awareness of child protection issues. The recognition of the need for effective legislation is crucial, and there is an understanding among industry professionals that severe cases of child abuse must be reported. This consensus is vital for the success of the initiative, as it lays the groundwork for a culture of accountability and responsibility.
To facilitate this, the government is collaborating with industry stakeholders to formulate mandatory reporting guidelines that help professionals, including educators, healthcare workers and social workers, understand child protection principles and identify cases that require reporting. The process of creating these guidelines is ongoing, incorporating feedback from industry experts to ensure they are practical and effective. Additionally, informational sessions will be held for mandated reporters before the ordinance’s implementation, ensuring that all parties are well-prepared for the changes ahead. This proactive approach is essential to minimize complications when the ordinance goes into effect.
The ordinance is a landmark development, encompassing over 100,000 designated professionals and marking a significant expansion of the child protection network in Hong Kong. To ensure its successful implementation, the government will engage with three advisory groups composed of representatives from the social welfare, education and healthcare sectors. This collaborative effort will not only develop the mandatory reporting guidelines but also provide necessary training for designated professionals, equipping them with the tools they need to fulfill their legal responsibilities effectively.
The Policy Address emphasizes the critical need to enhance parenting education as a vital component of child protection. The Social Welfare Department plans to launch pilot programs to establish four community parent-child centers. These centers aim to promote parent-child interaction through play-based methods and teach positive parenting techniques that can foster healthier family dynamics. By utilizing existing resources from children’s and youth centers, these centers will provide timely support and guidance to families, effectively addressing parenting challenges and reducing the risk of child abuse at its source.
Moreover, the Policy Address underscores the importance of public education for child protection at family, school, and community levels. This multifaceted approach can prevent and reduce cases of child abuse from the outset. The establishment of community parent-child centers, coupled with increased funding for independent childcare centers and the Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project, represents commendable initiatives aimed at supporting families in need. By investing in community resources, the government is taking a holistic approach to child protection, recognizing that effective policies must be implemented at all levels of society.
While downstream efforts, such as the implementation of the ordinance, are essential, it is equally important to strengthen upstream initiatives that prevent child abuse from occurring in the first place. The community parent-child centers will serve as community hubs, gathering resources for children and young people up to 24 years of age and their families. By promoting parent-child interaction through play-based methods and teaching positive parenting techniques, these centers will play a vital role in enhancing child protection efforts and fostering a supportive environment for families.
Although many forms of child abuse do not result in immediate visible harm, their effects can be profound and long-lasting. Children who experience abuse may develop anxiety, depression and behavioral issues that affect their daily lives and interactions. Therefore, it is essential for parents and caregivers to remain vigilant for any sudden or persistent changes in their children’s behavior, as these may indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed. Early identification of potential abuse can lead to timely intervention, ultimately improving outcomes for the affected children.
Statistics from the United States illustrate the gravity of the issue. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 500,000 children suffer from some form of neglect or abuse each year, with nearly 2,000 dying annually as a result. These figures represent the tragic loss of vibrant young lives that could have contributed positively to society. Even if abused children survive, they often face lifelong health issues, including mental health disorders, chronic pain, and various other physical ailments. Every child has the right to a healthy life free from abuse and neglect, making the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government’s efforts to strengthen child protection policies entirely justified and necessary.
My experience serving on the Commission on Children and the Youth Development Committee, combined with my recent work on the Commission on Poverty, has reinforced my belief that effective child protection efforts must be targeted. Identifying families at higher risk of suffering child abuse is crucial. Families where parents or caregivers have experienced domestic violence, mental health issues, or severe crises such as eviction or unemployment should be closely monitored by social workers. The safety, well-being, and rights of the child must always be the top priority.
It is heartbreaking to acknowledge that despite our efforts, cases of child fatalities occur, leading to tremendous losses for families and society as a whole. I recently reviewed a report from the Child Fatality Review Panel, which examined child fatalities reported to the Coroner’s Court from 2019 to 2021. The findings were particularly distressing, especially concerning the deaths of infants due to abuse. Such tragedies underscore the urgent need for both government and public commitment to child protection.
The measures outlined in the Policy Address represent an ideal combination of upstream early prevention and downstream early identification and intervention in child protection efforts. This comprehensive approach is essential for creating a safer environment for children, ensuring that their rights and well-being are prioritized. By focusing on both legislative frameworks and community support, we can work toward a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.
The author is a specialist in radiology, Master of Public Health of the University of Hong Kong, and an adviser of the Our Hong Kong Foundation.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
