Summary:

The Child Research Net (“CRN”), supported by the Benesse Educational Research and Development Institute, an in-house think tank of the Benesse Corporation Inc. (Headquarters: Okayama city, Representative Director and President: Hitoshi Kobayashi), hosted the “Survey on Children’s Daily Life among Eight Asian Countries 2021.” The survey was conducted between August and November 2021, targeting mothers of 5-year-olds in eight Asian countries, including Japan.*

According to previous surveys and research studies, it has been revealed that the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the daily lives of children around the world. This has led to physical and mental disorders among a lot of children, threatening their “well-being (meaning physical and mental wellness and happiness.” Therefore, the CRN organized a survey on the actual status of children’s well-being, focusing on their “resilience,” with researchers from eight Asian countries. The term “resilience” means the ability to withstand and recover from adversity or hardships, which is essential for realizing children’s wellbeing. This international comparative survey aimed at revealing common factors and variations, seeking better ways to support children’s well-being according to the situation in each country.

The survey results show that the development of resilience is vital for children’s well-being during challenging times under the COVID-19 pandemic, which was commonly seen in all eight countries. In addition, the factors of “mother’s parenting attitude” and “support from childcare facilities” are also positively related to children’s resilience in several countries, including Japan.

This report explains the results of our analysis. We hope our readers find this report helpful for their child rearing and education, seeking better ways to support children and their families.

* Participating eight Asian countries: Japan, China, The Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand