#Japan #Tokyo #Photography #Self-Esteem #Praise

Enhancing Children's Self-Esteem Through Photography and Praise

The relationship between photography and children's self-esteem is a pressing concern in Japan, as highlighted by recent surveys conducted by Sencorp, a comprehensive childcare tech service provider. On August 22, celebrated as “Hai Cheese Day,” the company released their findings on how photography can help nurture positive self-worth among children.

Hai Cheese Day

Established in 2016, Hai Cheese Day emphasizes the importance of preserving children's current moments. The day serves as a reminder of the value that photographs hold in our lives and the opportunities to engage in various initiatives that promote this awareness.

Statistics from the Child and Family Agency in Japan indicate that children's self-esteem has been declining, with many expressing dissatisfaction with themselves compared to their peers in other countries. This startling trend raises concerns about issues like bullying, school absenteeism, and an increase in anxiety and suicidal tendencies among children.

Research suggests that facilitating ‘recognized experiences’ through photography can help build the foundation of self-esteem. Sencorp has documented over 700 million moments of growth in children through photographs, demonstrating that these images do much more than capture memories; they serve as powerful connections that span time and bring happiness.

Key Findings from the Parental Survey

In their survey of 1,225 parents of children attending daycare, kindergarten, or elementary school, Sencorp uncovered some striking insights:

• - Accessibility of Photos: A significant 84.5% of parents store children’s photographs in easily viewable locations, indicating a high frequency of personal viewing (55.6% reported viewing at least once a week). However, only 40.2% engaged in viewing photographs together with their children, suggesting a gap in shared experiences.
• - Concerns About Children's Self-Esteem: About 28.7% of parents reported apprehension regarding their child’s self-esteem, revealing a widespread concern. Conversely, 59.1% of parents acknowledged that seeing their children’s pictures often instilled confidence and a positive mindset in their kids, reinforcing the beneficial impact of shared photo viewing on familial bonds.

The “Home-Praise” Project

The ‘Home-Praise’ project, proposed by educational critic Tomoka Oyano, aims to enhance children’s self-esteem through the decoration of their photographs and the daily act of praising them. Preliminary research shows that engaging with these pictures positively influences children’s perception of themselves, potentially elevating their overall self-esteem.

The practice encourages parents to display photographs that celebrate their child’s achievements, promoting organic dialogues surrounding effort and accomplishments.

Oyano's Perspective: Oyano encapsulates this work by stating, “By offering unconditional praise, children feel the love from their parents and learn to validate their own existence. This nurturing atmosphere cultivates empathy and the drive to push forward.”

The Power of Photos in Fostering Conversations

Parents provide valuable insights into how photographs facilitate communication within families. For instance, I-san from Tokyo shared that by showcasing photos purchased through “Hai Cheese!”, they routinely engage in discussions like “Remember when this happened? You look so happy!” This practice not only reinforces the emotional connections but also offers children a space to reflect on their growth and experiences.

Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

National initiatives such as Hai Cheese Day will continue to serve as invaluable opportunities to contemplate the role of photography in enhancing children's self-esteem and promoting positive mental health. The ability of photographs to foster family engagements can lead to transformative effects in children's lives, inspiring generations to come.

Sencorp remains dedicated to nurturing children’s joy and self-worth by bridging the nuances of technology, education, and emotional health into a cohesive approach for parenting and caregiving.