School bullying in Japan...

I'm amazed, because bullying has been increasing in our society. It's one of the most important reasons of suicide among children. Sadly, the authorities don't do anything to change the situation. In Japan, five children killed themselves because of bullying. It's worrying, because there’s no way to stop it. There were a lot of projects to stop bullying at schools, but nothing works. I can’t imagine how the five children could feel to take the decision to commit suicides. Here in Chile is the same, about 10.000 adolescents tried to killed themselves because of bullying. It’s hard to imagine how difficult it could be to face this as teachers. Because it’s in our hand to change the reality and make it better for our future students. Now, the school isn’t safe for the students, and it’s a pity because nowadays our children are safe only at their homes.

Chris Hogg. "School bullying in Japan" BBC learning English (2006). Online. 29th March 2009.