AICHI, Oct 30 (News On Japan) - The number of disciplinary actions at public elementary and junior high schools in Aichi Prefecture during the first half of 2025 has exceeded three times that of the same period last year, prompting growing concern among parents over how to engage with schools.
An official from the Aichi Prefectural Board of Education apologized at a press conference, bowing deeply as they acknowledged the rise in disciplinary cases among teachers. The prefecture is seeing the fastest pace of punishment in the past five years.
From April to September, the number of disciplinary actions was zero in 2020, one in 2021, five in 2022, seven in 2023, and four in 2024. By the end of September this year, the figure had already reached 14. Among these, six involved voyeurism, with victims including students, graduates, and children from the teachers’ own schools.
A teacher in Nagoya was dismissed this month after being caught secretly filming others. “It’s truly sad,” said a local resident. “Because of these repeated incidents, trust in teachers has been shaken.”
One elementary school teacher in Aichi described the tense atmosphere at schools: “We’re all confused and frustrated. It feels like everyone, especially male teachers, is being looked at with suspicion. It’s infuriating.” He added that even normal interactions with students have changed: “I’ve always been careful, but now even when a child approaches, I have to say ‘sorry’ and step back. It’s a very sad situation.”
The Aichi Prefectural Board of Education expressed deep regret over the situation. “We sincerely apologize that schools no longer feel like safe places for children and parents,” said a spokesperson.
Officials explained that some of the disciplinary cases were carried over from incidents that occurred late last fiscal year, though they acknowledged the ongoing problem of voyeurism cases within the prefecture. “While we don’t perceive a sudden surge this year, we are acutely aware of the serious threat posed by such behavior,” the spokesperson said.
Experts point to the widespread use of smartphones as a key factor. “All of these voyeurism cases start with smartphones,” one education board representative said. “Society has changed, but schools haven’t kept pace. We are now conducting training sessions during summer vacations, where 100 to 200 teachers gather for workshops. Our staff are working directly with them to raise awareness.”
A sociology of education researcher emphasized the need for greater vigilance. “What’s particularly serious is that these acts are committed by teachers within schools,” the expert said. “Such misconduct often occurs in unseen places, and that invisibility is part of its danger. We must heighten our social awareness and detect it early.”
The researcher added that rising case numbers may reflect greater transparency and reporting rather than just an increase in incidents. “People who were once hesitant to speak out are now finding their voices,” they noted. “Schools are finally recognizing that this can no longer be ignored.”
For parents, experts stress that continued engagement is crucial. “Parents are understandably distressed, but now is the time to keep raising their voices and expressing concerns directly to schools,” the expert said. “Strengthening communication and accountability will be key to rebuilding trust and preventing further misconduct.”
Source: Nagoya TV News
