Kumanichi reports on a spike in youth bullying in Kumamoto, echoing a national trend. Now, correlation does not necessarily indicate causation - that is, the stats may simply indicate that more attention is being paid to the problem, which would be a good thing. The chart divides incidences with dark blue indicating “special” schools; light blue, high school; yellow, junior high school; and pink, elementary school.
My kids had no particular problem with bullying throughout their time in school here other than the typical jocularism that I also experienced as a student in my native US. That said, the senpai/kohai culture and demand to conform might leave some youth susceptible. I’d like any primary school teachers or parents here to share their experiences in the comments. - William
