Approximately 90% of Parents View Summer Vacation as Crucial for Child Development; 50% Anxious About Lifestyle and Learning Habits

e-Learning Research Institute (Headquarters: Suita City, Osaka; Representative Director: Tomoo Yoshida), a provider of various e-learning service contents, conducted an 'Attitude Survey on the Skills Parents Want to Develop During Summer Vacation and Initiatives at Home' targeting parents with children.

The results revealed that while approximately 90% of parents perceive summer vacation as an important period for their children's growth, about 50% harbor anxieties about learning and lifestyle habits. Parents emphasize not only academic improvement but also the cultivation of non-cognitive skills such as experiences, independence, and humanity. The findings suggest a coexistence of expectations for experiential activities and the difficulties of implementing them.

Survey Overview

- Method: Paper questionnaire - Period: May 8 to May 27, 2026 - Target: 183 parents or individuals with children in their extended family

1. Roughly 90% of Parents View Summer Vacation as Crucial for Child Growth

When asked, 'Do you think summer vacation is an important period for your child's growth?', a combined total of about 90% responded 'Strongly agree' (108) and 'Somewhat agree' (59). Furthermore, regarding 'What specific skills do you want to develop during summer vacation?', 'Experience' (159) was the most common answer, followed by 'Humanity (compassion, cooperativeness)' (109) and 'Independence' (108). Conversely, 'Academic ability' (54) was in the minority, indicating that parents prioritize skills acquired through interpersonal relationships and real-life experiences over purely academic pursuits. They view summer vacation as an opportunity for experiences and challenges that are difficult to supplement through school education alone.

2. About 50% of Parents Feel Anxious About How Summer Vacation is Spent

In response to whether they feel anxious about their child's learning or growth during summer vacation, about 50% (87) answered 'Yes.' When asked about the specific nature of their anxieties, the most common response was 'Disruption of daily rhythm' (74), followed by 'Increased use of smartphones and games' (60), and 'Disruption of study habits' (36). This highlights a tendency for parents to be more concerned about lifestyle habits and engagement with digital devices during long holidays than about academic ability itself.

3. Approximately 80% Notice an Increase in Children's Smartphone and Game Usage

When asked how current summer vacations compare to their own childhoods, 'Increased time spent using smartphones and games' (142) was the top concern, followed by 'Decreased opportunities for outdoor play and nature experiences' (136). With the spread of digital devices, children spend more time at home, leading many parents to recognize a decline in experiential opportunities involving nature and the local community. There is a clear sense of urgency among parents regarding the decrease in real-world experiences as digital engagement deepens.

4. Roughly 80% Emphasize 'Experiential Activities' During Summer Vacation

Regarding home initiatives to develop children's skills during the summer, 'Experiential activities (travel, nature experiences, etc.)' (142) was the most cited, followed by 'Setting study time at home' (73) and 'Establishing reading habits' (48). However, when asked about the difficulties of home initiatives, 'Inability to sustain them' (79) topped the list, followed by 'Children are not proactive' (71) and 'Not knowing what to do' (70). While parents highly value learning through experiential activities, they struggle with consistency and eliciting their children's initiative.

Overview of 'Children's Future Career'

'Children's Future Career' is a board game material for career education designed to help children develop dreams and goals from an early age, fostering the knowledge and skills needed in a global society. It combines simulated experiences through board games with slide-based learning, offering a 'play x learn' approach for independent and enjoyable education.

- Target Audience: Educational companies and organizations nationwide, including after-school facilities, cram schools, and schools. - Target Age: Elementary, junior high, and high school students (others negotiable).

e-Learning Research Institute

- Company Name: e-Learning Research Institute - Headquarters: F&M Building 6F, 1-23-38 Esakacho, Suita City, Osaka - Representative: Tomoo Yoshida, Representative Director - URL: https://e-ll.co.jp/