In a pilot survey of 33 pediatricians, direct online harassment following mandatory child abuse reporting was rare (3.0%), yet 30.3% anticipated hesitation to report amid concerns about online backlash, alongside procedural and medico-legal burdens. Anticipated hesitation was numerically higher among less-experienced physicians. Perceived digital risk may contribute to defensive clinical practices, underscoring the need for visible institutional support pathways.
Otani et al. (Mon,) studied this question.