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The problems of primary and secondary education today include bullying and refusal to attend school. The incidence of school violence reached a high level in the early 1980s ( Figure I.1.10), and bullying subsequently became a major social issue ( Figure I.1.11). Refusal to attend school has become a serious problem in recent years. In fiscal 1993 this problem affected 11,000 elementary school pupils and 49,000 students at the lower secondary school level. These figures are the highest since surveys were begun in 1966 ( Figure I.1.12). Upper secondary school dropouts are also regarded as a major problem, even though their number is not actually increasing. In fiscal 1993 approximately 100,000 students left upper secondary schools without graduating ( Figure I.1.13).

It is vital to respond to these problems on the basis of coordinated efforts by schools, families, and communities. Specific measures are discussed in detail in part 2, chapter 3, section 2.