#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo Government #SNS Survey #Youth Insights

Engaging Young Voices in Policy Making: Tokyo's SNS Survey Results

In a significant step towards building a society centered around children, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has conducted innovative surveys utilizing Social Media Platforms (SNS) to gather the opinions and experiences of children and adolescents. This initiative aligns with their ongoing commitment to creating policies that reflect the voices of youth. The findings from the first three rounds of surveys reveal rich insights into the thoughts and concerns of middle and high school students, presented in a way that is accessible and relevant to their age group.

Survey Overview

The SNS-based survey targeted individuals aged 13 to 18 residing or studying in Tokyo. Each session collected responses from 5,000 participants, ensuring a diverse representation of opinions. The survey periods spanned between June 12 and July 3, aiming to maximize participation. Through smartphone notifications, young users engaged in discussions about their educational paths, experiences in various professions, environmental concerns, and personal challenges.

Key Findings

1. Career Aspirations and Gender Perceptions

In the first round, students were asked about career decisions regarding gender biases. While 74.4% of all participants reported not experiencing bias during consultations about their future paths, a slightly higher percentage of females (14.9%) acknowledged feeling such biases compared to males (10.6%). This suggests an underlying societal perception that may influence their academic and career choices.

Furthermore, when considering the sector of welfare work, 41.4% noted they had no prior experience, underlining a potential gap in exposure to this significant field. Interestingly, the perceptions of bus drivers and maintenance workers revealed that 51.4% view these jobs as valuable and rewarding, shedding light on the respect for these vital roles.

2. Experiences with Internet Safety

The second round honed in on digital interactions, revealing that 53.6% of respondents had engaged in direct messaging with people met online, indicating a deep level of trust in online spaces. However, this statistic also brings attention to the need for increased awareness regarding online safety and potential risks.

3. Environmental Consciousness

In tackling environmental issues, the second survey discovered that more than half of the respondents (53.6%) became aware of these problems during elementary school. Interestingly, 58.2% expressed willingness to choose eco-friendly products if priced reasonably, showcasing a growing concern for sustainable practices among youth.

4. Perspectives on Marriage and Parenthood

Regarding marriage, 61.3% of participants expressed a desire to marry eventually, though a notable difference emerged between genders in the intentions of not getting married, with more females (17.5%) than males (12.1%) indicating such sentiments.

5. Challenges in Adolescence

The third round encouraged discussions surrounding the challenges faced during adolescence. A considerable portion of teenagers (38.7%) felt uncertain about discussing issues related to puberty and personal concerns, emphasizing the stigma and lack of open dialogue surrounding mental health and sexual education. The need for supportive environments and peer encouragement was highlighted as crucial for fostering resilience and exploration within youth.

Conclusion: A Foundation for Future Policies

Overall, the surveys not only provide valuable insights into the concerns and aspirations of the younger generation but also serve as critical feedback for policymakers. The results encourage the Tokyo government to consider these perspectives as they navigate the initiative geared towards creating a ‘Children First’ society. These findings affirm that understanding youth experiences and perspectives can lead to more effective and inclusive policy-making.

For those interested, the detailed results and insights from the SNS surveys are available on the Tokyo government's Children Policy Coordination Office website, allowing for greater transparency and community engagement with these vital issues.