#Japan #Tokyo #legal education #Internet Safety #Adire Law Firm

Online Safety for Children: Legal Education Insights from Adire Law Firm

Adire Law Firm, based in Toshima, Tokyo, led by Attorney Junmi Suzuki, actively strives to ensure children are not at a disadvantage due to their ignorance of legal issues. As part of the "Children's Legal Education Project," they conducted a lecture on December 6th at the Kashihara Oak Hotel in Nara Prefecture, addressing the increasing incidents of internet troubles affecting youth. This initiative was organized by the Nara Prefectural High School PTA Council in response to the changing internet environment that has led to an uptick in such incidents.

During the event, representatives from nine high schools in the region participated, including principals and 19 PTA members who attentively listened to the insights presented by Attorney Kenichi Nagai, the project's leader.

The Lecture Overview

Under the title "Let’s Prevent! Children’s Internet Troubles,” Attorney Nagai detailed the specific dangers associated with popular social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, LINE, and X (formerly Twitter) from a legal standpoint.

Current Internet Trouble Landscape

The presentation began with an exploration of the current state of internet troubles facing children and the legal risks involved. Nagai highlighted dangers lurking within social media, including impersonation, defamation, personal information leaks, and copyright violations. Furthermore, he discussed serious issues such as cyberbullying, revenge pornography, financial troubles from flea market apps, and invitations to underworld part-time jobs, delving into actual court cases to explain legal responsibilities, including liability for damages.

Preventive Measures and Emergency Protocols

In the latter part of the lecture, Attorney Nagai introduced specific preventive measures and guidelines on how to act in case of trouble. He discussed privacy settings and the importance of rejecting unsolicited direct messages to prevent becoming either a perpetrator or victim. He also provided information about consultation channels available should any issues arise, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, police, and legal support services. Nagai strongly encouraged attendees to remind children not to keep problems to themselves but to reach out to adults for help.

Remarks from Participants

Post-lecture, the president of the Nara Prefectural High School PTA Council shared a reflective comment: "In a digital world that our generation has little experience with, children today often have a better grasp of the situation than we do. It is crucial for us as parents to educate ourselves and stay updated with necessary information so that we can better support our children. We must also recognize that they might tread a fine line between being victims and perpetrators in these situations. Awareness of the importance of seeking help from parents, schools, or public agencies is essential when troubles arise. The knowledge I gained today should not be wasted; I aim to apply it to help ensure our children can use digital tools safely and wisely."

Adire Law Firm’s Ongoing Initiatives

Since April 2022, Adire Law Firm has conducted more than 60 legal education activities across Japan aimed at children and students to help them navigate legal implications without suffering disadvantages. Continuing its proactive outreach, Adire intends to collaborate with educational institutions and related organizations under the principle of "liberating children from the constraints of ignorance."

Upcoming Lectures

Looking ahead, the firm has scheduled further lectures in early 2026 to discuss relevant topics, continuing its commitment to equipping young individuals with knowledge and skills for a safer digital experience.

About Adire Law Firm

Corporate Name: Adire Law Office (affiliated with the Tokyo Bar Association)
Representative Attorney: Junmi Suzuki (affiliated with the Aichi Bar Association)
Headquarters: 3-1-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo 170-6033
URL: Adire Law Office
Adire Law Firm addresses various legal issues including debt restructuring, traffic accident claims, family disputes, labor issues, hepatitis B compensation claims, asbestos health compensation, inheritance disputes, and internet rights violations. The firm's mission is to offer guidance to those paralyzed by uncertainty, promoting legal accessibility and understanding. With a vision of making lawyers a more approachable presence, Adire is dedicated to supporting clients through clear communication and empathetic service until their issues are resolved.