Yes, skipping school can be illegal in Japan, primarily due to compulsory education laws that place responsibility on parents.
Here's a breakdown:
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Compulsory Education: Japan's Constitution (Article 26) mandates that parents ensure their children receive education. This typically covers ages 6 to 15 (elementary and lower secondary school).
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Parental Responsibility: The School Education Law emphasizes parental responsibility. Parents are legally obligated to send their children to school.
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Consequences for Parents: If a child regularly skips school (chronic truancy) and parents are deemed to be neglecting their duty to ensure their child's education, the parents can face consequences.
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Potential Fines: Under The School Education Law Article 144, parents who violate these obligations can be liable to a fine of up to 100,000 yen.
It is important to note:
- The focus is on the parents' responsibility. The child is not directly punished legally for skipping school in the same way an adult might be for certain offenses.
- The authorities typically work with the family through counseling and support services to address the underlying causes of truancy before resorting to fines. These can include academic difficulties, bullying, or family issues.
- While the law focuses on compulsory education age (6-15), skipping school after that period (e.g., in high school) might result in school-based disciplinary actions, but not necessarily legal repercussions for the parents.
