Hirofumi Hirano

Antibullying Guidelines Released/Designated Special Advisors to Provide Expert Advice on Handling Incidents

Jiji Press, The Daily Yomiuri Online (September 7, 2012)

In an effort to reduce bullying in schools, Japan’s education ministry has set guidelines for directly dealing with the issue. The ministry plans this month to seek aid from special advisors such as lawyers, former police officers and psychiatrists on how to “prevent and handle” bullying in schools. Moreover, the ministry has requested that its budget be increased to permit the allocation of more funds directed towards instituting programs to reduce bullying. They have requested an increase from about 2.7 billion yen from fiscal 2012 to about 7.3 billion yen for the next fiscal year. With the institution of the new budget, the ministry plans to direct the funds towards an increase in social workers and clinical psychologists available to public schools and victims.

Education minister Hirofumi Hirano said at a press conference Wednesday, “After serious cases in which students’ lives were at risk, we will face the issue directly and sincerely.”

To read more on this topic:

At Least 3,500 Bullying Cases Seen in Tokyo Schools

Bullied Student Gets Apology / School Recognizes Problem, but Victim Asked to Leave Over ‘Anxiety’

Suicide in Japanese Schools Must Stop