#Japan #Tokyo #Education Support #YOUNG CARERS #Traffic Orphans

Young Carers Survey Unveiled by the Traffic Orphans Children’s Welfare Association

The Traffic Orphans Children’s Welfare Association, led by Chairman Kenichi Ishibashi, has conducted its second 'Young Carers Survey'. The aim was to understand the living conditions of young caregivers among its scholarship students more accurately. By recognizing the challenges these students face, the association hopes to develop effective support measures moving forward.

Overview of the Survey

The survey was directed towards the association’s scholarship students, encompassing 743 individuals, with 467 responding for a 62.9% response rate. Utilizing both web and written formats, this survey took place from June 27 to July 25, 2025. Importantly, the research was supervised by external experts to ensure its credibility, and parents were informed beforehand about the purpose of the survey.

Key Findings from the Survey

The investigation revealed that 12.4% of the scholarship students currently or previously acted as young caregivers, a notably higher rate compared to national averages. Among high school students, the rate was 12.0%, while for university and college students, it was 12.8%. The primary individuals being cared for were typically the students’ parents, with significant caregiving tasks including household duties (44.8%), accompanying them outdoors (34.5%), and monitoring (31.0%). For perspective, a national survey conducted in 2020 discovered that only 4.1% of full-time high school students were involved in caregiving, predominantly for siblings (44.3%). Similarly, a 2021 survey indicated that 6.2% of university students engaged in caregiving tasks.

Moreover, 50% of high school students and 42.1% of university/college students reported providing care almost daily. It was also revealed that 25% of high school students and 15.8% of university/college students spent over three hours per day on caregiving duties.

Starting Age and Duration of Care

Most respondents indicated that their caregiving began between the ages of 7 to 12, accounting for 43.1% of those surveyed. Additionally, 5.2% started caring for others before the age of six. The duration of caregiving was also significant, with 43.1% reporting they had been caregivers for 5 to 9 years, and 15.5% indicated a commitment of over ten years, showing that many students have taken on this role for prolonged periods.

Health and Wellbeing of Young Carers

Regarding their mental health, 10.0% of high school students and 23.7% of university/college students reported feeling mentally strained, while 10.0% of high schoolers and 18.4% of university students stated they lacked adequate time for themselves.

When it comes to seeking assistance, findings were concerning: 50% of high schoolers and 63.2% of university/college students had never consulted anyone for support. The primary reason cited was the belief that their issues were not significant enough to discuss (70% among high schoolers and 66.7% among university students), while 20% felt uncomfortable discussing family matters with outsiders or believed that others wouldn’t understand their situation.

Support Needs and Awareness

Among those providing care, 25.0% of high school students sought special educational support, while 20.0% desired further financial aid for their families. In comparison, university and college students requested economic support at 26.3% and guidance on career paths at 13.2%.
Interestingly, 36.2% of students recognized themselves, either currently or in the past, as young caregivers, indicating a substantial number are unaware of their roles as caregivers despite their responsibilities.

Awareness of the term 'young carers' has increased among scholarship students, with 61.9% acknowledging they had heard of it, up from 60.1% in the previous survey.

Conclusion

These survey results provide significant insights into the realities faced by young caregivers associated with the Traffic Orphans Children’s Welfare Association. This understanding ensures that continued support programs can be effectively tailored and implemented.

The association plans to engage in discussions with scholarship students identified as young caregivers, allowing for timely and appropriate support. The ongoing 'Young Carers Support Project' aims to ensure that these students receive the help they need to balance their education and caregiving responsibilities.