Final answer:
The teacher has not violated any ethical code by reporting suspected abuse; they are fulfilling their legal and ethical duty as a mandatory reporter to protect the child and ensure their safety and welfare.
Step-by-step explanation:
No, the teacher has not violated any ethical code by reporting suspected abuse after noting visible bruises on a child in the classroom. On the contrary, teachers have a professional and legal responsibility to report any signs of child abuse they observe. Numerous professions, including teachers, are considered mandatory reporters, meaning they are legally required to report any suspected cases of abuse or neglect. The obligation to report is guided by both ethical standards within the education profession and state laws to ensure the safety and well-being of children.
In fact, failure to report such observations can lead to legal consequences for the teacher and the school. Institutions like schools are very clear about the codes and definitions of what is permissible and teachers are trained to recognize and report such incidents to protect the child's welfare. This ethical and legal duty supersedes the concerns of privacy between teacher and student in these serious matters and aims to protect children as among the most helpless victims of abuse.