In danger right now? Call 911 Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-422-4453 Find your state’s reporting guidance Report abuse in your state

Maryland child-safety laws

Child-abuse reporting and school bullying laws in Maryland, explained in plain language with links to official sources.

Browse all 50 states
Selected state

Maryland laws

Sources checked

Two core topics for every state. This is a starting point, not a complete collection of state law. Federal law, tribal law, local rules, and individual circumstances may also apply.

Child protection

Child abuse & neglect reporting

Md. Family Law §§ 5-704–705

Listed professionals must report suspected abuse or neglect learned through their work: orally as soon as possible and in writing within 48 hours. Section 5-705 also requires other people with reason to believe a child has been abused or neglected to report, subject to its stated exceptions.

Source checked

School safety

School bullying & cyberbullying

Md. Education §§ 7-424, 7-424.1

County boards must adopt policies consistent with the state model. These address reporting, investigations, parent notification, retaliation, and support services for affected students.

Official sources

Source checked

Your state · Beyond the headlines

Keep up with Maryland.

Follow legislation

Check the official record

Find your legislature's bill search and committee calendar. A proposal is not a law; read the status and effective date.

Official legislature directory 
Upcoming dates

What is on the calendar?

No verified upcoming dates are published here for Maryland yet. Check the official legislature calendar for current hearings and deadlines.

Updates and useful context

Browse entries for Maryland 
Keep exploring

More from the law library