My father BEATS me...

Personally I would not even try to educate I'd just report it to the authorities. Over here the law is quite plain...but not so plain "It is illegal for a parent or carer to smack their own child, except where it amounts to "reasonable punishment", according to section 58 of the Children Act 2004." The issue is with the word reasonable as that is open to interpretation. It essentially comes down to if you do damage...cuts or bruises or abrasions would be unreasonable. A red mark that disappears would probably be seen as reasonable punishment. Teachers, nursery people or others are not allowed to hit a kid full stop. So, in your case I'd maybe try to ask the kid what the beating entails and also you'd need to be aware of the laws of your place. BUT I'd always err on the side of caution and report any possible child abuse.

Some parents are violent. It is always wrong to beat a child. Is it possible for you to contact your student's mother?

I agree with Mike, you must inform the authorities.

Aren't you a "mandated reporter," or whatever the equivalent is in the Philippines? I am a teacher and a child psychologist. Here in the US we are required to report suspicion of abuse to Child Protective Services.

@Shavkat That poor kid. He does not deserve that. Is there anyone that can do something about it to make sure it never happens again?

The situation is quite challenging especially that you are a virtual Teacher. I would ask that you find out from the child if it's ok to talk about it in more details for you to understand what is going on. If possible engage the mother to avoid putting the child in more trouble.

that is very alarming, where does the kid live? Can you report it to anyone?

There are some helpful comments. Are you obliged to report such things? It is good that he feels he can confide in you even if you are unable to do much about it.

how about reporting the incident to the proper authorities? but what is the nationality of your student?

Did the father beat the child a lot?

i can tell you that once upon a time as a teacher I had to deal with that. it is a horrible situation I am so sorry.

poor kid. i feel so sorry for him, but if that's online you can't do much except be a support to that kid. or maybe notify the company about it, you said the classes are being recorded, right?

Parents must never beat small kids as it harms them both mentally and physically. You did the right thing by allowing the boy to express his feeling and feel better.

Yes. It is not right to beat the kids. Instead parents give any other useful punishments like arrange their room on own, Do math on his own when kids committed any mistake. It is parents responsibility to teach their kids what is wrong and what is right.

Good luck calling their authorities, not sure if they can do action on parental abuse. I feel they pressure the child too much to learn quickly, they clearly have no time for parenting. It's not acceptable culture in my book. We have that culture here too in some families.

Soon you will know what the role of a father if you have your own family.

In Scotland it is against the law to punish children by smacking etc. Dont know what the law is there where you are. But you probably have a duty to report it to who ever is in charge of you. You could speak to his father yourself.