#Japan #Tokyo #Online Safety #Youth Programs #Ministry of Education

Promoting Initiatives for Youth Against Harmful Online Environments

In an increasingly digital society, the safety of youth in online spaces has become a pivotal concern. Recognizing this, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in Japan has kicked off a significant project for the 2023 fiscal year. This initiative, titled the 'Net Moral Caravan Team', aims to empower young people to responsibly utilize the internet and tackle the ever-evolving challenges presented by the digital world.

This ambitious program focuses on engaging parents and educators, providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to guide youth in navigating online environments safely. This year, the initiative will culminate in three key symposiums to be held in notable cities: Nagoya, Kyoto, and Kanagawa, followed by a comprehensive forum in Tokyo. Each event will address critical themes affecting young internet users today.

Key Events and Themes

The events are designed to be interactive and informative, ensuring that attendees walk away with practical insights and strategies.

Nagoya Symposium

• - Date: October 4, 2023
• - Theme: Misinformation and Disinformation
• - Location: Nagoya Urban Center (in-person and online)
• - This event has already taken place, but it set the stage for critical discussions about the prevalence of false information online and how it affects youth.

Kyoto Symposium

• - Date: November 16, 2023
• - Theme: Generative AI
• - Location: Kyoto Economic Center (in-person and online)
• - In light of the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, this symposium will delve into how AI influences content creation and youth engagement online.

Kanagawa Symposium

• - Date: December 7, 2023
• - Theme: Dark Jobs (illegal employment practices targeting youth)
• - Location: Smart Rental Space Belle Kanai 601 (in-person and online)
• - This session will aim to bring awareness to the dark corners of the job market influenced by online platforms, providing strategies to safeguard youth.

Tokyo Forum

• - Date: January 18, 2024
• - Theme: Internet and AI Literacy
• - Location: Shinjuku 100-Person Shared Conference Room FOREST (in-person and online)
• - The forum will serve as the grand finale of the series, underscoring the importance of digital literacy, particularly concerning AI technologies within the online ecosystem.

Attendance and Participation

Participation in these events is free of charge, but interested individuals must register by the specified deadlines. More information can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Education.

Future Directions

As this initiative rolls out across Japan, MEXT aims to significantly enhance the dialogue surrounding internet safety among youth, parents, and educators alike. It is a proactive step towards creating a safer online environment for all, ensuring that young internet users can navigate their digital landscape with confidence and responsibility. Keeping an eye on these developments will be essential for anyone interested in youth education and online safety.

For more details, you can contact the Ministry's Safety Education Promotion Unit at 03-6734-2966.