31% of Japanese Students Feel

Stressed with Schools Closed

According to a survey by Save the

Children Japan, 31% of Japanese kids
say they are feeling stressed from
being cooped up inside at home all
day. With schools closed because of
COVID-19, students around the
country have to stay indoors.

From March 17 to 22, around 960

children replied to the survey online,
with most of the answers coming from
elementary and junior high school
students. The students were asked what was the biggest problem with schools
being closed.

"Children are feeling stressed as they cannot meet their friends and other
people," an official at Save the Children Japan said.

The second biggest problem, chosen by 21% of the students, was not being
able to meet other people. One student wrote, "I miss seeing my friends and
teachers." More than 15% of students were worried about not studying.

About 14% said that they spent most of the day alone.  "I have nothing to do
besides watching television and playing games," one student said.  Other
students said they were feeling weaker from not exercising and playing
physical games.

More than 18% of the children were worried about getting the virus.

Earlier in March, a survey of over 8,000 parents found that 56% of them were
already worried that their children would feel stress from not being able to go
to school and see their friends. About 70% of respondents were worried about
their children not being able to exercise, and 56% worried about their children
not being able to study.

Schools across the country were asked to close on February 28 to help stop
the virus.