KUMAMOTO – Schools in Kumamoto Prefecture have begun offering psychological support to children affected by the series of strong earthquakes in parts of central Kyushu last month.
On Monday, the education board of the city of Kumamoto distributed to all city-run elementary and junior high schools a video lecture by a clinical psychologist on psychological care for children that teachers can use as a guide.
The three-minute video includes messages of advice, including that teachers should not without good reason make children recall what they experienced at the time of the quakes.
An additional 23 elementary and junior high schools resumed classes in Kumamoto on Monday. The city’s remaining 108 schools are expected to reopen next Tuesday.
The city’s education board also plans to carry out a survey to check on the physical and mental condition of children.
The one-page questionnaire prepared by the board covers 17 points, with children to be asked such questions as whether they find themselves overcome by tears or feel anxious about being alone.
The questionnaire will also ask children to freely describe any problems they face in their mental and physical health.
Schools will use the results of the survey to discuss appropriate care for children with nursing teachers and clinical psychologists.
“Even children who are actively taking part in volunteer activities and appear fine may be feeling stress deep inside,” said an official of the Kumamoto city education board.
“My children won’t step inside the house,” said Kenji Yokomizo, a 41-year-old company employee who built his home in Mashiki only four months ago.
Due to worries about the possibility of their house collapsing, Yokomizo and his family have been staying at an evacuation center and have also spent nights in their car.
“They look excited when they are with their friends, but they’re not eating much,” Yokomizo said, concerned about the change in his daughter and son since the earthquakes began.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/05/03/national/social-issues/mental-support-for-kids-begins-in-quake-hit-kumamoto/#.Vyi1FEizASY
