The Child Care and Protection Act was passed in 2004 for the care and protection of children and young persons.

A teacher has expressed concern that during this month, which is celebrated as Child Month, many activities have been planned for the welfare and benefit of the children.

"It is a very good gesture to know that our children are recognised and loved but there are many cases in Jamaica in which children are being abused both by parents and adults.

"I recently had to report a parent to the police who was in the habit of severely beating his 13-year-old daughter. He used to beat the child for plain foolishness and when the child reported the matter to me, I contacted the police.

"Although he was not arrested and charged, the police spoke to him about his behaviour and he has since stopped abusing his daughter.

"I am just pointing out this incident because there are many other incidents of children being abused and people are afraid to help them by just making even a phone call to the police.

" We must remember that our children are helpless and cannot defend themselves from abuses so we should never turn a blind eye to their cries for help," the teacher said.

A child is described in the act as a person under the age of 18 years.

The act places a duty on adults to makes reports to prescribed persons, including a doctor, nurse, school principal,teacher, social worker, guidance counsellor and the police once a person "has information or suspect that a child has been, is being or is likely to be abandoned, neglected or physically or sexually ill-treated; or is otherwise in need of care and protection".

Failure to make a report can result in a person being convicted and fined.