Who must be notified in case of suspected abuse in a school or similar institution?

In cases of suspected abuse within a school or similar institution, it is critical to ensure that the appropriate authorities are notified promptly to safeguard the child's welfare. The head of the institution or their designee is the correct point of contact because they hold the responsibility for overseeing the safety and wellbeing of all students within the institution. By alerting them, a formal, systematic approach can be taken to address the situation, which often includes conducting an investigation and notifying the relevant child protection services.

The other options, such as notifying local news outlets, do not serve the immediate purpose of safeguarding the child and can potentially compromise the privacy and integrity of the investigation. Similarly, while a child's teacher may have a role in the process of observation and initial reporting, they are not the designated authority responsible for managing cases of suspected abuse. Involving the child’s parents directly in the initial stages of suspicion can also complicate the situation and may jeopardize any investigation or the safety of the child. Therefore, notifying the head of the institution or their designee is the best course of action aligned with legal and institutional protocols.