crime

Mother of suicide boy files slander charge against 3 bullies

61 Comments

Three high school boys are to be charged with slandering a classmate who committed suicide as a result of bullying in Kawanishi, Hyogo Prefecture.

The deceased, a 17-year-old high school second grader, committed suicide in September of last year after being bullied by classmates. Fuji TV reported Thursday that other students had come forward to admit they witnessed the bullying. The three boys responsible for the majority of the torment allegedly called the victim a germ and put dead bugs on his chair in the classroom over a four-month period last year, police said.

Police said the victim's mother had filed a charge of slander against the trio, an action that is rarely used for bullying cases in Japan. The boy's mother was quoted by media as saying "All forms of violence, even verbal, are illegal. I want these three boys to know what they did."

© Japan Today

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

61 Comments
Login to comment

"I want these three boys to know what they did"

A slander charge is hardly enough. Punishment in kind would be better in my opinion!

8 ( +9 / -2 )

Wow! How is Japan gonna toughen these kids up? Having more choices of dobbing in a bully is not the answer. They have to do something about giving these kids the strength of personality to rise above bullying and stop jumping out of windows and in front of trains. Everybody all over the world experiences bullying at some stage of their adolescence, but this suicide thing seems to be a Japan specific epidemic. Man up kids!

-6 ( +11 / -17 )

i feel sorry for the mother, but i think this is a waste of time. i don't know the exact details, but the teachers and administrators at that school should be held responsible for that boys suicide. kids will be kids, so they need guidance, and sometimes punishment, from adults to correct their behavior.

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

School should be responsible, this charge will definitely not hold up in the courts.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Too little too late...mom should have done this before son took his own life

-15 ( +3 / -18 )

i don't know the exact details, but the teachers and administrators at that school should be held responsible for that boys suicide. kids will be kids

While I understand your sentiments I hardly agree. Where do you draw the line? You make all schools responsible for suicides in cases of bullying? It's not black and white.

It's easy to point fingers and blame folks, but who are you going to point the finger at with the school? The principal? Maybe he knew, maybe he didnt, so how do you make him take responsibility? Fire him? The list goes on. Not saying that there is a level of responsibility that lies with the school but just exactly who? His HT, maybe so, other subject teachers? Possibly? But you would blame the entire school? Geez lets close it down, and make all the kids in the area suffer because of it.

Sadly, in the end, and while this is not a popular opinion I am sure, but the parents hold the greater level of responsibility than the school. But it's easy to just say that, but what actions are necessary to correct it?

How do you make people responsible, what do you do to them?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

@yubaru

that's why i said i don't know all the details. if any teacher or administrator knew about the harasment and failed to act, then they should be held culpable. we, as a society, entrust the safety of our kids to schools. if they fail to protect kids, then they should be fired and punished.

you say that parents "hold greater responsibility," but that's not true when kids spend a majority of their waking hours at school. and kids oftentimes don't tell their parents much about their life. but again, if the mom knew about this and did nothing, she would also be blamed.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Doing something is better than doing nothing.

Blame the bullies, blame the parents, blame the school, blame the victim, but keep this horrible case in the public eye, and it will at least keep the debate open as to who is responsible.

Whether the mother's approach is the best approach, or the most effective approach, will never be agreed on. However, at least she's trying something new, and at least the vicious little sods who tormented the poor boy will have to think more about the damage they've done, and will have to accept responsibility or help prove it is ultimately someone else's responsibility.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

The three boys...called the victim a germ

Not a legal expert on Japanese defamation laws but this would never rise to Slander in the Western World...

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

@combinibento: I'd think you'd be fairly surprised at what constitutes defamation in the Western World, especially the UK where "libel" is so liberally thrown around and the burden always lies with the accused.. People even go to the UK in order to sue for libel even if the counterparties aren't from the UK.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

never too late do action now ... a sweet punishment for this crazy highschool stud!

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

"feel sorry for the mother, but i think this is a waste of time. i don't know the exact details, but the teachers and administrators at that school should be held responsible for that boys suicide. kids will be kids, so they need guidance, and sometimes punishment, from adults to correct their behavior."

I disagree. The boys were 17, not 7.

If they were 7, I would have agreed with you about them not being responsible, and it being the schools fault. But 17 year olds know what they were doing was wrong, and cruel.

I hope the mother succeeds in this. Too little is done about bullying in this country until it is too late. And the other classmates (not the bullies) who saw this everyday, witnessed it, and yet did nothing ought to be ashamed of themselves.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

The system is the main failure. There isn't enough contribution from school boards and the police. They don't do enought to curb the abuse that these poor kids go through. The parents of those children should also be put in that suit for not raising better children with stronger ethics

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

i don't know the exact details, but the teachers and administrators at that school should be held responsible for that boys suicide. kids will be kids, so they need guidance, and sometimes punishment, from adults to correct their behavior.

Why do the teachers always get blamed instead of the parents? Guess what, these high school teachers got these kids when they were what, 15? How many hours a week with them? Better yet, how many hours a year one on one time? If anything, the blame needs to be placed on the parents of these kids.

And while I am sorry for the mother, where was she when all of this was happening? Why on earth did she let her son attend the school if it was that bad? And if she didn't know about it, why not? Where was the communication between her and her son?

Stop blaming teachers for poor parenting. It isn't fair.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

you say that parents "hold greater responsibility," but that's not true when kids spend a majority of their waking hours at school. and kids oftentimes don't tell their parents much about their life.

But they aren't with just one teacher. At the end of the day, PARENTS should be spending more time with their kids daily than any one teacher - unless in ele school. We know that isn't the case and THAT in itself is a huge issue. Why don't kids tell their parents they are being bullied to death? Sorry but my parents knew me well enough to know when I was having troubles at school and spoke to me. You fail as a parent if your kid kills themself and you plead ignorance about school issues.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Why on earth did she let her son attend the school if it was that bad? And if she didn't know about it, why not? Where was the communication between her and her son? Stop blaming teachers for poor parenting.

on what basis are you labeling the mother whose son comitted suicide a poor parent? neither you nor anyone on this site knows all the details of what happened. and do you think it's easy to simply pull your child out of a school and relocate? yeah, if you have a lot of money and the time to do that. And i'm sure when you were a child you told your parents EVERYTHING that happened in your life. Even parents with great relationships with their kids don't know half of what's going on in their kids' lives.

@kimuzukashii

who said the boys weren't resoponsible? if the school knew about the bullying and didn't stop it then they should be held responsible.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

"Kids will be kids": The worst bully I ever saw in my youth was the 11-14 year olds. Everyone had grown out of it by 17. I'm surprised by the ages of these boys.

"If the principle or teachers knew..." but also, "If the parents and other students knew,..."

Every time a cluster of these bullying suicides hits the news, I hope that, maybe this'll stir up enough interest for there to be some changes, but then it dies down. I've seen the same cycle for over 20 years. I'm despairing that anything will change. I used to despair about the lax attitude to drinking and driving, but the 3-kids-drowingin-their-car-seats incident in ....Fukuoka?? a few years back was the tipping point and THAT brought a sea of change.

Perhaps this lawsuit?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@tmarie

why does it matter if it's one teacher or six? are you saying that teachers shouldn't help a bullied kid?

bottom line is that "teachers" need to step in when they know a student is being bullied.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

@taj

The worst bully I ever saw in my youth was the 11-14 year olds. Everyone had grown out of it by 17. I'm surprised by the ages of these boys.

Umm, i don't think bullying magically stops at the age of 15. in fact, i think bullies continue to bully and just find new targets as they get older.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

you say that parents "hold greater responsibility," but that's not true when kids spend a majority of their waking hours at school. and kids oftentimes don't tell their parents much about their life. but again, if the mom knew about this and did nothing, she would also be blamed.

This is just an excuse, if the parents had a relationship with their child PRIOR to going to JHS or HS they child would feel comfortable enough to discuss anything with either parent.

This is the mother looking for revenge for her lack of parenting. That's part of it.

Your excuse here doesnt hold water.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

on what basis are you labeling the mother whose son comitted suicide a poor parent? neither you nor anyone on this site knows all the details of what happened. and do you think it's easy to simply pull your child out of a school and relocate?

Perhaps on the same basis that YOU are defending her? I've dealt with enough parents in my years in teaching to know a poor parent. Do I think it is "that" easy to pull a kid out of a school? Yes. Do I think it is "that" easy to get them into a different school? Yes. Why do I think this? Because I've seen it happen numerous times. Sorry but if your child is being tormented at school, you don't continue to allow them to go there. Yes, it really is "that" easy.

yeah, if you have a lot of money and the time to do that. Money has nothing to do with it. If you can afford one school, you can afford another. Time? Yes, that IS the issue. Parents don't spend enough time with their kids.

And i'm sure when you were a child you told your parents EVERYTHING that happened in your life. Even parents with great relationships with their kids don't know half of what's going on in their kids' lives. No one here has suggested that kids tell parents everything. However, if your child is being tormented and is suicidal and you don't know, you have serious issues with your lack of communication with your child. Period. Yes, it is "that" easy. Folks here seem to expect the teachers to know and not the parents which is laughable. Other way around folks.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

if the school knew about the bullying and didn't stop it then they should be held responsible. Why?? Why not hold the kids and the parents of the bullies responsible? If the teachers didn't know - which I think they would be poor teachers if that was the case - why do they get the blame while the parents of these kids get nothing?

why does it matter if it's one teacher or six? are you saying that teachers shouldn't help a bullied kid? Care to point out where I've even suggested a thing??? I think teachers have a responsiblity to deal with it - when they are aware of it. However, I don't think it is JUST the responisiblity of the teachers. ALL parents, ALL kids involved need to held accoutable.

Umm, i don't think bullying magically stops at the age of 15. in fact, i think bullies continue to bully and just find new targets as they get older. More so in a culture that has bully engrained since day one and that continues until death. The kohai/sempai system is nothing but bullying and making sure people know the pecking order. Bully is a fact of life but it doesn'T have to be to the extremes that it is here.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

**This is the mother looking for revenge for her lack of parenting. That's part of it.

Your excuse here doesnt hold water.**

100% agree. While I think these kids need to be punished for their behaviour, I feel that mom is just trying to make herself feel better over it all. Frankly, I hope that the kids feel guilty for what has happened but at the same time, germs and dead bugs isn't really all that bad considering some of the other cases and what other kids go through. Certainly not excusing it but I think there must have been more going on than we are being told.

I also "feel" for the bullies. Bullies are usually folks who've been bullied themselves. A struggle for power. All has not been well in their lives either it seems.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Time? Yes, that IS the issue. Parents don't spend enough time with their kids.

I thought you wanted all those mothers out working full-time after making bentos for the whole family.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

@yubaru

the point is about "responsibility" for this suicide. i never defended that mom and even said if she knew about the bullying then she is also responsible for her son's suicide. my original post was about the school being culpable if it new about the bullying, not about communication issues between parents and children.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@tmarie

Perhaps on the same basis that YOU are defending her?

where have i defended her?

Do I think it is "that" easy to pull a kid out of a school? Yes. Do I think it is "that" easy to get them into a different school? Yes. Why do I think this? Because I've seen it happen numerous times. Sorry but if your child is being tormented at school, you don't continue to allow them to go there. Yes, it really is "that" easy.

can you explain how you can move a child from school to school?

I don't think it is JUST the responisiblity of the teachers. ALL parents, ALL kids involved need to held accoutable.

I wholeheartedly agree that many people are responsible for this kid's suicide. And i never said it was JUST the schools responsiblity. please check my first post.

why does it matter if it's one teacher or six? are you saying that teachers shouldn't help a bullied kid? Care to point out where I've even suggested a thing???

you replied But they aren't with just one teacher. At the end of the day, PARENTS should be spending more time with their kids daily than any one teacher

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Charge them any way you can, since the system turns a blind eye.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

I thought you wanted all those mothers out working full-time after making bentos for the whole family.

And funny, the mod always tells me I'm the one looking for an arguement. Care to point out a link where I have ever suggested such a thing?

And Cleo, you think parents spending more time with their kids is bad? Or you just looking to argue?

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

@cleo "I thought you wanted all those mothers out working full-time after making bentos for the whole family."

Its quality VS quantity I think. It doesn't matter if a mother is waiting at home all day darning socks and waiting for her precious little angel to return home from school and clubs, if when the little angel gets home they don't actually talk to each other.

Which is what actually happens in the majority of cases.

Now if you were to tell me that stay at home mothers (and also, their husbands - lets not let them get away scot free from the responsibility here) are better at sitting down and having dinner as a family, talking to each other about their day and problems than their working counterparts, then you might have a leg to stand on, but I think we both know that in the majority of Japanese households (whether the mother works or not) it doesn't happen.

Daddy eats at stupid o clock when he gets back from his company, Taro eats in his bedroom while studying after coming home from Juku, and Hanako eats after club has finished. The "family" unit probably very rarely spend any time together. When they do, they are all addicted to their smartphones and don't talk anyway. Its a very sad sign of the times.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

i never defended that mom and even said if she knew about the bullying then she is also responsible for her son's suicide.

You are question anyone who is commenting that the mom needs to also take responsiblilty.

can you explain how you can move a child from school to school? Are you seriously asking? You have a meeting with the school, the prinicpal, the teachers... You then research other schools and have meetings with them. You are then usually given thego ahead. If not, there is home schooling and free schooling options. Not to mention private school but since you brought up the notion of money, figured you were suggesting they couldn't afford it. Plenty of kids move during the school year. Changing schools here isn't all that difficult. The issue is that many here assume that once in a schoo, the child must stay in that school due to group mentality and making friends. I've taught more than a few kids who have changed schools or been transfered in. It isn't hard. It just takes time on the parents part.

Again, care to point out where I suggested teachers shouldn't help? A direct quote would be great because the one you gave states nothing like what you are suggesting.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Kimuzukashiiiii, execellent post. Spot on!

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

the point is about "responsibility" for this suicide. i never defended that mom and even said if she knew about the bullying then she is also responsible for her son's suicide. my original post was about the school being culpable if it new about the bullying, not about communication issues between parents and children.

Nice try...but you can not separate the issues. You want "responsibility", tell the mother to look in the mirror! She is seeking revenge for her sons death, that she is in part "responsible" for!

my original post was about the school being culpable if it new about the bullying, not about communication issues between parents and children.

This is not about parent(s) and child(ren) this is about one mother and her son and like it or not she is culpable as well to a degree. She failed her son and is looking to make some sense out of it by blaming others for what is partially her fault and responsibility as well.

All forms of violence, even verbal, are illegal. I want these three boys to know what they did.”

Here is a part of the problem from her own lips! When did she teach her child about self-worth or how to deal with people calling her son names? Or was she the type of mother that always covered for her son and blamed the world for her mistakes?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

i bet those kids...punishment-not even one

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I was bullied until I broke his nose. Stand up for yourself!

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Feel sorry for the deceased and his parents. The action against the bullies are absolutely necessary and should actually sue the bully's parents for financial compensation.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Sorry, if you need to use physical force to beat a bully you are not better than he is,

I had many confrontations over the years and few required me to use my military or MA(30+yrs) training to resolve them.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Everyone assumes it was the bullying that caused this kid to off himself? While it may or may not have contributed, surely there is more to a suicide than someone calling you a germ? Slander will be difficult to prove but to be sure, the kids arent being charged with murder or anything near that.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The reason the mother is pursuing a slander charge is because it is a civil matter and she doesn't require the co-operation of the local police or the local prosecutors to pursue the matter. What this slander charge highlights is that even in cases far worse than this one, where viictims have been repeatedly assaulted, the police and prosecutors are reluctant to pursue criminal charges against minors. As a result this mother has limited options. Slander may seem like a soft line to pursue, but she can at least do something this way.

I also notice a lot of criticism of the mother of the victim... and none of the parents of the bullies. What sort of parent raises a child who becomes a bully? All this outpouring of loathing for the mother of the victim, and not a word of recrimination for the parents of the bullies. Instead just the normal criticism of the teachers (when there's not a word of evidence they knew about this case). You should be ashamed of yourselves, siding the bullies this way.

As for those advocating physical violence... well, I went that route after I was bullied systematically for several years. All I found was that I was disgusted with my peers who suddenly viewed me as cool for beating someone into a pulp. It isn't cool, and no kid should have to resort to violence to feel safe in their school, home, etc.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Agree so far no proof that bullying was the cause of suicide just the usual speculations.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I was bullied until I broke his nose. Stand up for yourself!

Kind of hard to do from the grave!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@Frungy: Excellently-put. I totally agree with you, and I thank you for writing it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

One here would understand and feel when your own kid committed suicide due to bullying. Facts were written by JT that proves bullying done. Speculations and whatever posted here won't bring back the dead kid back.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Have these three little thugs gotten off scot-free? It seems like it, if they are even out and about to get a slander charge thrown at them. If so, I can totally understand the Mothers anger - they drove her son to kill himself and are left to get on with their lives.

However - I have to agree to a point that the Mother has some questions to answer. I dont expext my kids to tell me everything but I DO expect to know about something as important as this. If this was bad enough to drive him to suicide then surely there must have been something she could have picked up on if she knew her child at all?

That said, I dont BLAME her for his death - the blame lies with the thugs, their parents, and any school teacher who knew but said nothing. The kids may also have known in the class but they were not in a position of responsibility - the teachers were. That said I agree with you too tmarie - I am not blaming all the teachers - just anyone who saw and knew and did not step in.

I also know what you mean about parents spending time with the kids - you have repeatedly posted about mothers out and about with their kids on their cellphones oblivious to what is going on with the child. So I took your comment to mean spending quality time with a child, whether working full time or not.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

First off, lay the responsibility 100% where it lies: with the teens who did the bullying. If they and others like them see that there are no consequences for their behavior, they will likely continue that behavior into their adult lives. Secondly, find out why they felt it was OK to continue this reprehensible behavior over a period of time. And finally ask if there was something about the school culture that prevented the boy or his mother from lodging a complaint with the principal or the police. Interesting that there is no mention of a father in this case, as so often seems to happen. I wonder why?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I recommend the movie "blue bird" with Hiroshi Abe. He plays a teacher with a stuttering problem and is the substitute teacher for a class that bullied a young boy who tried to commit suicide. So Mr. Abe makes them learn a valuable lesson in a strange but powerful way. Great movie, and I think these kids should learn the same way.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Why not implement a series of smaller safe guards against bullying.

1) Tell all students there are options if you are the target of bullying 2) If a victim accuses a student of being bullied, automatically the bully has to see a psycho therapist that is brought in. Psychological warfare back on bullies. 3) Student's class schedule can be re-arranged to avoid the bullies 4) If it persists, student has option to switch schools

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Why aren't the 3 being prosecuted for murder? Japan doesn't take bullying seriously. That is a societal problem.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

1) Tell all students there are options if you are the target of bullying

This is already done here.

2) If a victim accuses a student of being bullied, automatically the bully has to see a psycho therapist that is brought in.

This is easier said than done, there is no "automatic" anything when it comes to issues of bullying here, and it's the group that usually gets talked to prior to any individuals. Also in many cases it's numerous classmates and the costs of having professionals available in all the schools is not something the current economy can handle. (While it would be money well spent, the cases of unreported bully are probably countless.)

3) Student's class schedule can be re-arranged to avoid the bullies

This is next to impossible without transferring the student to another school due to the logistics and manner in which Japanese classes are run. And transferring is not an option for many in JHS and in HS since it is entrance exam orientated it is not common to transfer schools during the course of any given school year.

4) If it persists, student has option to switch schools

This option always exists, but to transfer puts a large burden on families, not to mention that that for many this is not a viable option.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Police said the victim’s mother had filed a charge of slander against the trio, an action that is rarely used for bullying cases in Japan. The boy’s mother was quoted by media as saying “All forms of violence, even verbal, are illegal.

I feel for the parents, and RIP to the poor kid, but where do we draw the line..?

What ever happened 20, 30 40 years ago to the saying: "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me..?"

Anyone remember that..?

The final fault rests with parents. Who should have intervened, or at the very least, made it known to the child that Suicide is NOT an Acceptable Solution to any Problems...

You have to get rid of this notion, especially among kids, this notion of Suicide is an Acceptable solution to problems... Once you've accomplished that, there may still be suicides, now and then, but it won't be seen as some acceptable alternative... And Parents need to stop pressuring kids into this Machine like mentality, they are human beings... Kids will be kids, kids will tease, kids will call each other names, it's been going on since way before there were schools, it's HOW Kids are Trained, Imparted, Taught to React to these kinds of Circumstances / Situations / Stimuli that makes all the difference in the world!!!!!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Well you can certainly get a good estimate of the number of teachers that post here, just read all the comments that say it was the parents fault or society is to blame. Nope could not have been the teachers, nope no way.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

bullying is a tough one to crack, parents tell the child to stand up to them and the bully will go away ( i see that here too). telling teachers and all only gets you a brief respite if your are injured - otherwise you are told: Stand up to them - they will stop.

I was bullied from 7- 11th grade, every day i fought and lost, started with 3 ended with a gang of 14. my brother would not help because i was not accepted and he was.

so i fought and lost and the bullies kept coming back

they actually enjoyed beating me- even though they took an odd punch now and then - with that many they could subdue me quick.

so yeah- we need a better way to handle it- but you cannot blame the kid

1 ( +1 / -0 )

What ever happened 20, 30 40 years ago to the saying: "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me..?"

It's not true. It never was true. It's just something people tell kids (and themselves) to try to get through it. Names are hurtful, and the scars don't always heal.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

What ever happened 20, 30 40 years ago to the saying: "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me..?"

It's not true. It never was true. It's just something people tell kids (and themselves) to try to get through it. Names are hurtful, and the scars don't always heal.

Oh, so you're saying that Bullies Never existed until recently...?

That's funny, because there were plenty of bullies and people being bullied when I grew up, 30, 40 years ago and I don't ever remember hearing about people off-ing themselves over being bullied, until just these last 10 years...

This new, softy, touchy, feely society... We've crafted...

Parents need to take responsibility for their kids, and TEACH them what is Important and what to not let it get to them... It's starts at HOME.

People need to get back to Common-Sense.. Words don't hurt, unless you let them.

And if you let peoples words get to you, You'll never Get anywhere in Life, You might as well, Lock yourself in doors and stay there...

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@Chin4Sailor:

Unfortunately, you have misunderstood me.

The saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never harm me" which you mentioned is not true.

When has it ever been true, in the history of bullying (which is as long as the history of humankind after all)?

If it were true, nobody would give a crap about bullies would they.

You can tell people not to care about name-calling and being picked on all you like, but that doesn't help them.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I've been living in Japan for one year and read about a few bullying incidents in schools across the nation, some that have lead to suicide. Also I have heard about them through friends and clients.

I speak my point of view from my experience a Health and Physical Education Teacher from Australia about the following:

The teachers and executive are responsible for teaching kids about the consequences of bullying not only how it emotionally affects the person but the punishment they receive for bullying. It's also parents responsibility to teach their kids not to bully and support the school's disciplinary measures if their child is bullying another!

Overall I've had concerns about the quality of teacher training in Japan to deal with a variety of social issues such as this and having the confidence to deal with the incidents. Also to have the right training to educate students on other aspects of health that affect their relationships now and in the future.

I think this is something that needs further investigation and perhaps new policies and procedures drawn up at the school level and University education revised...maybe? Bullying is on the increase in Japanese schools and needs to be stamped on!

It would be good to hear what it is really like for Japanese teachers to deal with bullying and other problems to get a wider perspective.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

How about the schools hire former wrestlers and body builders? The kids that are being bullied can report the actions to them, and point out who the bullies are. Then they go on a watch list that the new hire has to "take care of". Basically, the bullies have the spectre of a very large person they can not intimidate watching thier every move.

It might work, and there are a lot of unemployed wrestlers out there.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

i like the way she've said it “All forms of violence, even verbal, are illegal. I want these three boys to know what they did" first it was verbal, then they put dead bugs on his chair....what could be next? beat him then?...bullies should not be accepted in schools. school is for learning to be a help to the community not to form gangs and make troubles to others.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@Cortes said: I was bullied until I broke his nose. Stand up for yourself!

Damn right buddy! My youngest son, 12yrs old. I enrolled him in karate at age 5. He's the nicest, politest boy you'll ever meet. I teach him never to bully and never to start trouble. But if you're backed into a corner, you have my permission to take care of business! Bully him and you'll get the horns.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

about time punitive damages become more of a norm in jp..hope it sets a precedent

0 ( +0 / -0 )

High School second grader? Well, I know that putting kids from different backgrounds together always causes problems. And now it seems that we hear more about student's committing suicide because of bullying. I can say the same when I was young. You must fight fire with fire. Once other bullies see an easy mark they join in. At some point you have to fight. Personally, I think it's idiotic but after getting my nose bloodied and realized it is a numbing sensation, I learned to hit. I also learned that you go after the biggest bully because he is the weakest. Break his nose, get on top of him and don't let up! The story of Henry Rollins from Black Flag comes to mind. He was bullied as a kid and one day had had enough. He became a different person after that. In most schools in the U.S. there is the "King of the hill" mentality. Like a prison in many ways. Fight or have your lunch thrown on the floor etc. At some schools now kids bring dad's pistol to deal with bullies, but usually they get caught showing it off and get suspended or get put in juvenile detention. I have seen it all at school growing up. Gang fights, riots and racial disputes. Because of how school was in the early 70's, I cut class to get away from the stupidity of "Rednecks" and did not finish my senior year. Parents don't have the time usually to home school. If they could and had the intelligence to do so, the children would be much better off and not be forced into the mold the controllers of society deem necessary.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Oh my goodness. Really? I doubt very much that the 17 year old committed suicide because of bugs and being called a "Germ". I feel terrible for the mother’s loss, but filing charges against 3 boys for name calling and childish pranks? Come on! There would be much more to this than what has been reported, and some if not most would not have involved the 3 boys in question. I am against any type of bullying, but let’s not blame these kids for the teen’s death. As far as some comments about why the mother didn’t do anything prior to the suicide, well we don’t know that she didn’t. She may have put complaints into the school prior to the suicide. And anyway, how many teenagers do any of you know that would go up to their parents and complain about taunts, jeers and pranks? I know some who would (playing down the severity of course) but I also know a greater number who don’t tell there parents anything. Please don’t crucify the mother and please, please, please don’t blame the 3 boys for this kid’s suicide. Yes they should understand the impact of there actions but to have to live with people blaming them for a teens suicide for the rest of their lives would make all of us just as bad, if not worse, than them. May god bless the young man and his family and I hope the 3 boys mentioned can find peace and learn from their tragic choices in entertainment. :(

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites