The line between discipline and child abuse blurs, leaving parents at a loss

A parent who beat their child with a clothes hanger had the injuries spotted by staff while seeking medical care, who then called the police — and the incident drew a flood of discussion among local parents: after the new rule requiring mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse took effect, where exactly does the line lie between what used to be regarded as everyday corporal punishment and the serious harm the law refers to? Many parents say they cannot even make out which statute the provisions involve or what degree of severity triggers a report, admitting they are at a loss in raising their children.

Ordinary parents lack a plain, readable explanation written around everyday scenarios to understand the lawful scope of discipline under the new rule.