[Recruiting Pilot Schools in Shizuoka] Putting a Stop to the Surge in Serious Bullying Incidents! The Institute for Child Development Research Launches Free 'Anti-Bullying Gemiwa Caravan' for Elementary and Junior High Schools with 'Grandpa Fund' Support

The Institute for Child Development Research, a public interest incorporated association dedicated to the research, development, and social implementation of evidence-based education and parenting programs, has been selected for the 'Grandpa Fund,' a private grant managed by the Sanaburi Foundation. Accordingly, to strongly promote bullying prevention and improve school culture in Shizuoka Prefecture, the institute will implement the experiential anti-bullying program 'Anti-Bullying Gemiwa Caravan @ Shizuoka' at zero cost to schools. Recruitment for pilot schools, primarily targeting public and private elementary and junior high schools in Shizuoka City, Iwata City, and Hamamatsu City, began on May 22, 2026. According to the latest survey by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the number of serious bullying incidents nationwide has reached a record high of 1,405, indicating an extremely critical situation. Many schools are overwhelmed by reactive responses after incidents occur, facing structural challenges where they cannot allocate budgets or resources to the most important aspect: prevention. Therefore, the institute is utilizing this grant to launch a comprehensive caravan in Shizuoka, Iwata, and Hamamatsu as priority areas, with no cost to the schools. The goal is to establish a robust pilot model (the Shizuoka Model) to serve as a foundation for wider expansion and self-sustainability. The 'Gemiwa' program, short for Gamification Workshop, allows children to learn how to create a classroom atmosphere that prevents bullying while enjoying games. The program features three key elements: an approach based on behavioral analysis to move bystanders, active dialogue through gamification, and a multi-layered prevention ecosystem involving schools, families, and the community. The program is scheduled to run from July to December 2026, with all instructor and material costs fully covered by the grant.