Each of us has a responsibility to protect children and youth from harm. As a professional educator working directly with students and supporting others who are, you have a legal and ethical duty to report to a children’s aid society when you have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is or may be in need of protection.
Ontario's Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA) requires those who perform professional or official duties with respect to children to report suspected child abuse where there are reasonable grounds. This requirement applies with respect to children who are under 16 . However, if you have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child who is 16 or 17 is in need of protection, a report may be made even though it is not required.
You are encouraged to visit The Ontario College of Teachers to review this Professional Advisory Report