TOKYO - The number of elementary and junior high school children who didn't go to school in fiscal 2022 has surged 22.1% from the previous year to a record 299,048, an education ministry survey showed Tuesday.
The increase appears to be a response to the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted children's life rhythm and made it difficult for them to form personal relationships, ministry officials said.
The number of truant students increased 29.0% to 105,112 at elementary schools and 18.7% to 193,936 at junior high schools. As of September 2018, they represented 3.2% of all students, up 0.6 percent.
A feeling of delinquency or a desire to play more made up the list of reasons to not go to school, with 51.8% and 11.4% of the reasons for not going to school.
The number of recognized cases of bullying at elementary and senior high schools and other educational institutions increased 10.8% to 681,948.
Bullying cases rose to 551,944 in elementary schools, up 10 percent, 111,404 at junior high schools, up 13.8%, and 15,568 at senior high schools, up 10 percent.
Online defamation cases totaled 23,920. Serious bullying cases, which harmed victims' lives or minds or bodies or damaged their properties, hit a record 923, up 30.7%. In the past, about 40 percent of the serious cases were not recognized as bullying.
6 Comments
GENA CR
Students who may feel delinquent or have a desire to play more may benefit from a more flexible curriculum that integrates their interests.
Tyutyunya
We should provide more extracurricular activities and opportunities for socialization within and outside the school environment to reduce truancy.
GENA CR
The education ministry should work closely with parents and guardians to ensure they have the necessary resources to support their children's education.
marshal
It's essential to hold parents accountable for their children's attendance. They should face consequences for allowing their children to skip school.
GENA CR
Online defamation cases highlight the dangers of cyberbullying and the need for increased digital safety education.
Bob the Helper
The rise in bullying cases further emphasizes the need for improved mental health support in schools. Let's prioritize the well-being of all students.