Understanding the Challenges of School Refusal
A recent survey conducted by a Tokyo-based online educational materials company and other stakeholders has revealed that over 60% of children who refuse to attend school are unaware of a system that allows online learning to be counted as school attendance. This lack of awareness extends to approximately one in four parents of these students, highlighting the difficulty administrative bodies and schools face in promoting this alternative approach.
The survey was carried out between August and October 2025 by parties including SuRaLa Net Co., a developer of AI-based educational materials, and Shiko Ishii, a journalist specializing in school refusal who has personally experienced it. The study targeted truant elementary and junior high school students using the company’s materials, along with their parents. A total of 156 students and 244 parents provided valid responses.
The Net Attendance System
The system, which was introduced in the 2005 academic year, allows students who refuse to attend classes to be considered present if they use digital devices such as tablets for learning. Known as “net attendance,” this system enables principals to certify attendance based on conditions including cooperation between the students’ parents and the school, and the implementation of face-to-face instruction through visits.
When asked about their awareness of net attendance, 63.5% of students and 26.6% of parents responded that they knew the name but not the details or had never heard of it. Additionally, 67.9% of students and 86.5% of parents stated they had not received any explanations or proposals about this system from their school.
Experiences and Rejections
Among the students, 8.3% had applied for net attendance but were rejected, while 12.7% of parents reported the same experience. Schools reportedly cited reasons such as there being “no precedent” or that there was “no such system at our school.”
When asked about mindset changes among those who utilized net attendance, 47.2% of students and 71.0% of parents reported feeling “more positive.” In the survey’s free writing section, users of net attendance expressed feelings such as, “The guilt of not being able to go to school has decreased,” and, “I gained self-esteem.” Some also called for measures to raise awareness, stating, “If I had known about net attendance, I could have provided a reassuring option without pressuring my child,” and, “Since being counted as present can change a child’s future, it should be standardized nationwide.”
Perspectives from Experts
Shota Sasaki, head of the child development support office at SuRaLa Net, emphasized that the reality is that not only children and parents but also some teachers are unaware of the system. He stated, “We want to encourage municipalities and others to utilize it.”
Key Findings and Recommendations
The survey highlights several critical issues:
- Lack of Awareness:Over 60% of students and 26.6% of parents are unaware of the net attendance system.
- Inadequate Communication:67.9% of students and 86.5% of parents did not receive any information about the system from their schools.
- Rejection Rates:8.3% of students and 12.7% of parents faced rejections when applying for net attendance.
- Positive Outcomes:47.2% of students and 71.0% of parents reported feeling more positive after using the system.
Conclusion
The findings underscore the need for increased awareness and better communication regarding the net attendance system. By addressing these gaps, schools and administrative bodies can provide more effective support to students who refuse to attend school, ultimately helping them reintegrate into the educational system.