Which act requires teachers to report suspected child abuse?

• A. Disciplinary guidelines
• B. Mandatory reporting guidelines
• C. Child welfare statutes
• D. Mandated reporting laws

Answer: (D)

The main idea is a legal duty placed on certain professionals to act when they suspect harm. Mandated reporting laws require teachers to report any suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities. This designation makes reporting not optional but a legal obligation, with specifics often spelling out who must report, what information to include, and the timeframe for reporting. That clarity is why this option fits best: it directly communicates the compulsory nature of the action for teachers and the legal consequences of not reporting. Other options describe guidelines or broader statutes related to child welfare or school discipline, but they don’t on their own establish the specific compulsory reporting duty for teachers.