Tokyo's Youth Increasingly Connected: Survey Highlights Risks

Apr 24, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - A recent survey conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government revealed a high rate of smartphone ownership among school-aged children, with 43% of upper elementary students and approximately 85% of junior high school students reported to have their own devices.

The findings were published on April 23, detailing the results from a study carried out in January of this year.

The survey targeted 2,000 parents of elementary, junior high, and high school students living in Tokyo, discovering that 27.2% of lower elementary students, 43.0% of upper elementary students, 84.8% of junior high school students, and 92.0% of high school students own smartphones.

Among these students, 19% admitted to having interacted with strangers via social networks and other platforms. Furthermore, 20.3% reported sending or receiving photos or videos of themselves, and 14.2% had met with someone they encountered online, both figures showing a significant increase from the previous year.

The use of filtering services to block inappropriate websites remains inadequate, with 41.7% of respondents either not subscribed or not setting up such services. In light of these findings, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government urges families to establish clear rules for safe smartphone use among children, aiming to mitigate risks associated with online interactions.

Source: TBS

Japan Faces Economic Fallout From Nvidia Leadership Crisis

The resignation of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on November 12 following allegations involving a woman suspected of links to Chinese intelligence has raised concerns in Japan over the potential impact on semiconductor investment, financial markets and the yen, as uncertainty surrounding the American AI chipmaker threatens to disrupt the global technology industry.

Major Earthquake Could Strike Japan at Any Time

Japan launched a new national disaster management agency on November 2nd to strengthen its response to major emergencies, just days before a powerful earthquake struck Aichi Prefecture, injuring 24 people and renewing concerns over the possibility of a catastrophic Nankai Trough earthquake.

Russia Calls JT Takeover a Countermeasure Against Sanctions

Russia's Foreign Ministry on November 11 defended the government's unilateral decision to place the local subsidiary of Japan Tobacco (JT) under the management of a Russian company, describing the move as a countermeasure against what it called Japan's "blatantly hostile actions."

Touch-Free Ticket Gates Coming to Tokyo's Yamanote Line

East Japan Railway (JR East) announced on November 10th that it will introduce touch-free ticket gates at 40 stations, including every station on Tokyo's Yamanote Line, from spring 2028, allowing passengers using Mobile Suica to pass through without taking their smartphones out of their pockets or bags.

Japan Unveils Guidelines for Children's Internet Use

Japan's Children and Families Agency unveiled its first national guidelines on November 10th for parental involvement in children's internet use, dividing those aged 0 to 18 into six developmental stages as the government considers tighter regulations on social media platforms to protect young people from online bullying, exploitation, and other growing risks.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Education NEWS

Japan Says Goodbye to Last Surviving Sea Otter in Captivity

Japan now has only one sea otter remaining in captivity following the death of Kira, an 18-year-old female at Toba Aquarium in Mie Prefecture on November 5th, leaving 22-year-old Mei as the country's last surviving aquarium sea otter after a population that once exceeded 100 animals steadily declined.

Japan Unveils Guidelines for Children's Internet Use

Japanese Researcher Helps Preserve Taiwan's Indigenous Rukai Culture

A 31-year-old Japanese researcher who moved to an indigenous village in eastern Taiwan four years ago to study the Rukai people has become an active member of the community, helping preserve traditional ceremonies and customs while learning the importance of protecting cultural values that remain unchanged across generations.

'World Capital of Models' Teaches Students Using Plastic

Shizuoka City, which promotes itself as the "World Capital of Models," is using plastic model kits as teaching materials in junior high schools, hoping to cultivate future leaders in the model industry.

Dopagaki Makes Japan's 2026 Buzzword Shortlist

A Japanese slang term describing children hooked on the instant stimulation of short videos and social media has been nominated for the country's 2026 New Words and Buzzwords Awards, highlighting growing concerns about declining attention spans and the pressure to consume digital content at ever-increasing speeds.

Japan’s Delivery Rooms Are Among the World's Safest

Delivery rooms in Japan are some of the safest with fewer than two infant deaths per 1,000 births. As a result, many families may assume that complications during delivery are unlikely to happen to them.

Why Tech Employers Promote Mindfulness When Why Self-Care Doesn't Fix Burnout Requires Actual Schedule Reductions

Late-night Slack pings, back-to-back video calls, and relentless release cycles have become routine for many working in technology. Employees are often handed access to meditation apps, yoga classes, or lunchtime breathing sessions as a way to “beat burnout.”

Japanese Calligraphy Set to Join UNESCO List

Japanese calligraphy is set to be added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list after an evaluation body recommended its registration on November 5th, paving the way for the traditional art form to become Japan's 24th entry and its first since traditional sake brewing was recognized in 2024.

< 2 3 4 5 >