Children’s Bullying Counseling Services
There are services where you can consult about children’s bullying. If you have concerns about your child’s condition, talk to a specialist about it instead of trying to deal with it on your own.
What Is Bullying?
Bullying includes physically hurting someone by hitting or kicking them, or mentally hurting someone by doing something that they are uncomfortable with, such as saying mean things about them or ignoring them. Making someone feel embarrassed or taking money from them is also considered bullying.
Bullying can occur not only one-on-one, but also in groups. “Nakama-hazure” which means leaving someone out, includes ignoring them, not talking to them, and not playing with them. Recently there is also a type of bullying called “net-ijime; cyberbullying” which is harassment that takes place online and it is difficult for teachers and parents to notice.
What to Do if You Want to Know if Your Child Is Involved in Bullying
Children who are bullied are often distressed but unable to talk about it to their teachers or parents. They can become reluctant to go to school, become quiet, or lose their appetite. Children who are bullying can start talking rough. In either case, you may start to notice unusual behavior. When in doubt, use the following check sheet to help you be aware of your child’s situation:
Bullying Checklist (Ministry of Education)
What to Do When Your Child Is Being Bullied
If you find out that your child is being bullied or is bullying, listen to your child carefully first, then talk to their teachers and ask for their advice.
Where Can You Talk About Bullying?
There are some consultation services outside of schools, where children or their parents can talk about bullying. There are also places where children can directly talk about bullying. Do not hesitate to use these services if it is difficult for parents/children to talk to the teachers.
-24-hour children SOS helpline TEL：0120-0-78310
Telephone counseling available from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, when you are in trouble due to bullying or when you are worried about your safety or the safety of your friends. Dialing this number will connect you to the counseling service organization at the board of education in your area.
https://www.mext.go.jp/ijime/index.htm
-Children’s rights hotline TEL：0120-007-110
Toll-free and dedicated telephone counseling for children with human rights problems including bullying and abuse. Parents/guardians can use this service as well as children.
https://www.moj.go.jp/JINKEN/jinken112.html
-Human rights hotline TEL：0570-003-110
Telephone counseling of various human rights problems including discrimination, abuse and harassment, provided by legal affairs bureaus nationwide.
https://www.moj.go.jp/JINKEN/jinken20.html
-LINE (SNS) human rights counseling
Counseling available via SNS (LINE).
https://www.moj.go.jp/JINKEN/jinken03_00034.html
-Children’s rights SOS e-mail
Counseling available for elementary and junior high school aged children via email or phone.