Growing up in Tokyo comes with its perks. Anyone aged 18 or younger is eligible for cash support, regardless of their family’s income. They can also anonymously consult a range of experts through a free online chat service about personal worries and concerns.
These are just a few glimpses of the flagship “Children-First” initiatives promoted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG), which is increasingly positioning itself as a global leader in child-oriented policies.
For two years running, the TMG’s Liaison Office for Child-Oriented Policies has organised an international conference of like-minded cities committed to improving the well-being of juveniles.
Along with their Tokyo counterparts, they shared and discussed wide-ranging policies, practices and ideas under this year’s theme: “Initiatives That Support Adolescents” with a focus on mental health, places of belonging and work experiences.
Stopping Child Suicides Is an ‘Urgent Priority’
“Children are our greatest treasure. And the smiles of children mean hope for the future,” Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko said in a video message to the forum.
But she warned, “Adolescent mental health issues are increasing worldwide. Unfortunately, the number of child suicides is rising in Japan as well, making the implementation of further countermeasures an urgent priority.”
As an example of Tokyo’s youth mental health programmes, the governor cited the aforementioned online counselling service, dubbed “Gyutto Chat” (gyutto means holding someone tight), which started in January last year and is also available to parents tied up with child-rearing. She said that the forum is intended to ”accelerate initiatives by cities that contribute to a future where all children can grow up happy and healthy.”
At the forum, eight cities made presentations on the theme of “Adolescent Mental Health.”
The Austrian capital of Vienna outlined two initiatives. It provides free, voluntary and anonymous psychological support directly at 10 youth centers, and organizes “Mental Health Days” at secondary schools.
For a “Mental Health Day,” children, parents, teachers and clinical psychiatrists are mobilised to promote awareness and early intervention in mental health with regard to bullying, body image shaming, eating disorders and other issues. “We are investing in a healthier, more resilient and more inclusive future,” said Ishita Mohil, Policy Advisor for Vienna’s Deputy Mayor.
New Taipei City, a megalopolis surrounding Taiwan’s capital, focused on preventing teens from drug abuse. The city has developed a program that engages at-risk adolescents in “role-playing” dramas aimed at helping them build self-resilience and reconnect with society.
