A fifth grader comes to school with a bruise on her face. When the teacher asks her what happened, the student appears nervous and struggles to stick to a consistent and logical account of what caused the injury. The teacher calls home and a parent offers a logical, but different, explanation for the bruise. The teacher feels uncomfortable about what might have happened and suspects physical abuse. The teacher should _____________.

When a teacher encounters a situation where a student presents with unexplained injuries and shows signs of nervousness while recounting the events, it raises significant concern about the child's safety and well-being. Reporting the incident to Child Protective Services or a Local Enforcement Agency is the appropriate response for several reasons.

First and foremost, teachers are mandated reporters, which means they are legally obligated to report any suspicions of child abuse or neglect. This duty exists to protect the welfare of the child. By reporting the incident, the teacher ensures that trained professionals can investigate the situation and provide the necessary support to the student, if required.

Additionally, even though the parent may provide an explanation that seems reasonable, the discrepancy between the child's account and the parent's version is a critical indicator that further investigation is warranted. The child’s safety is the primary concern, and trained authorities are better equipped to delve into the complexities of such situations.

Taking action by reporting helps to create a safety net for the student, ensuring that they are protected and that any potential abuse is addressed appropriately. It is essential that the teacher does not rely solely on discretion or personal judgment, as this could compromise the child's safety.