Each year, MEXT conducts the Survey of Problems Associated with Teaching Students with Undesirable Behavior in order to ascertain the status of schoolchildren's undesirable behavior in the past year. The survey concerning FY2006, which focused on the status of bullying and suicide, was conducted based on recommendations regarding optimal methods of ascertaining undesirable behavior, and MEXT took steps to achieve a more accurate picture by revising survey methodology and the like. While working to deal with children's undesirable behavior, schools and boards of education must obtain the understanding and cooperation of households, the local community and other concerned entities in order to prevent undesirable behavior throughout the community and to detect and respond to this behavior promptly. Through distribution of a report entitled Strengthening Measures Against Bullying (Elementary and Secondary Education Bureau Director-General Notification, October 19, 2006) and various conferences, MEXT is renewing efforts to fully realize these aims (see Part II, Chapter 2, Section 2).

## 4 Measures aimed at improving children’s physical strength

In response to the findings of the assessment of children’s physical strength described in sub-section 1. above, the Central Council on Education has conducted an examination of measures for improving children’s physical strength and in September 2002 prepared a report entitled Comprehensive Measures for Improving Children’s Physical Fitness.

In addition, the Basic Plan for the Promotion of Sports revised in September 2006 specified the improvement of children’s physical strength through the promotion of sports as one new policy issue and set a goal of reversing the decline in children’s physical strength.

MEXT is implementing the measures described below with a view to improving children’s physical strength based on this plan (see the children’s physical strength improvement website, http://www.recreation.or.jp/kodomo).

## [Practical physical strength improvement activities for children]

In the three-year period from fiscal 2004, schools, households, and local communities, which provide the settings for children's daily activities, collaborated to carry out activities aimed at enhancing physical strength, establishing regular exercise habits, developing good personal lifestyle habits, and increasing adults' awareness of children's physical strength.

## [Physical strength improvement campaigns and other activities]

A nationwide campaign for improving children’s physical strength is now underway. Specifically, children have been invited to submit posters for promoting the importance of physical strength, and opportunities for parents and children to become familiar with exercise and sports are being provided. Other activities include the dispatch of top athletes who have participated in the Olympics and other major events to communities to convey the pleasure of sports through contact with children.

## [Research for improving children’s physical strength]

Programs are being developed for teaching such basic exercise activities as running, jumping and throwing and for establishing good personal lifestyle habits from early childhood. Research is also being conducted aimed at setting up a physical strength testing system to encourage children to exercise every day.

▲Children’s physical strength improvement campaign poster

Winner of MEXT Minister's award for FY2007

▲Instruction by sports athlete (Machida City, Tokyo)