These questions are structured to collect specific, actionable insights from parents, helping to identify patterns, needs, and areas for intervention. We kindly ask you to answer according to the category that applies to you. Thank you for your cooperation!
1. How long has your child been disengaged from work, school, or social activities?
- A. Less than 6 months
- B. 6 months to 1 year
- C. 1–2 years
- D. More than 2 years
2. At what age did you first notice signs of withdrawal or disengagement in your child?
- A. Before age 10
- B. 10–12 years old
- C. 13–15 years old
- D. 16–18 years old
- E. Over 18 years old
3. What do you believe are the main reasons behind your child’s disengagement?
- A. School bullying or negative social experiences
- B. Academic pressure or failure
- C. Mental health struggles (e.g., anxiety, depression)
- D. Family-related issues or conflicts
- E. Lack of motivation or direction
- F. Other (please specify): _______
4. How often does your child leave the house for non-essential activities?
- A. Daily
- B. A few times a week
- C. A few times a month
- D. Rarely or never
5. Have you sought professional help (counselors, therapists, etc.) for your child?
- A. Yes, regularly
- B. Yes, occasionally
- C. No, but I plan to
- D. No, and I don’t plan to (please specify why): _______
6. What steps have you taken to encourage your child to re-engage with school or work?
- A. Encouraged open communication about their feelings
- B. Offered to enroll them in counseling or therapy
- C. Helped them explore hobbies or interests
- D. Connected them with support groups or community programs
- E. Other (please specify): _______
7. How often does your child communicate openly about their feelings with you?
- A. Very often
- B. Sometimes
- C. Rarely
- D. Never
8. Do you believe your child’s disengagement is influenced more by social pressures or personal factors?
- A. Mainly social pressures
- B. Mainly personal factors
- C. Equally by both
- D. Not sure
9. How has your child’s situation impacted your family dynamic?
- A. It has created tension or conflict
- B. It has strengthened our bond as we try to help
- C. It hasn’t significantly affected the family dynamic
- D. Other (please specify): _______
10. Has your child expressed feelings of hopelessness, depression, or suicidal thoughts?
- A. Yes, frequently
- B. Yes, occasionally
- C. No, never
- D. Not sure
11. What role do you think school bullying or negative social experiences played in your child’s withdrawal?
- A. A major role
- B. A minor role
- C. No role at all
- D. Not sure
12. Have you sought government or community support for your child?
- A. Yes, and it was helpful
- B. Yes, but it wasn’t helpful
- C. No, but I plan to
- D. No, and I don’t plan to (please specify why): _______
13. How often does your child engage in online or virtual interactions compared to in-person interactions?
- A. More online than in-person
- B. About equal online and in-person
- C. Rarely engages online or in-person
- D. Not sure
14. Do you feel equipped to support your child through their struggles?
- A. Yes, I feel confident in supporting them
- B. Somewhat, but I need more resources or help
- C. No, I feel unequipped to handle their needs
- D. Other (please specify): _______
15. What impact has your child’s situation had on your financial stability?
- A. Significant financial strain
- B. Some financial strain
- C. No significant financial impact
- D. Not sure
16. How do you think cultural expectations in Japan contribute to your child’s struggles?
- A. A significant amount
- B. Somewhat
- C. Very little
- D. Not at all
17. Has your child shown interest in any social activities or hobbies in the past year?
- A. Yes, regularly
- B. Yes, occasionally
- C. Rarely
- D. No, not at all
18. What communication strategies have worked in encouraging your child to engage with you or others?
- A. Regular one-on-one conversations
- B. Being patient and non-judgmental
- C. Introducing shared activities or hobbies
- D. Involving a counselor or mediator
- E. Other (please specify): _______
19. How do you feel about the availability and quality of support systems for hikikomori, dropouts, and NEETs in your area?
- A. Very satisfied
- B. Somewhat satisfied
- C. Neutral
- D. Dissatisfied
- E. Very dissatisfied
20. Do you believe your child has the necessary skills to eventually rejoin society?
- A. Yes, I’m confident they can
- B. Yes, but they will need guidance and support
- C. No, they lack many necessary skills
- D. Not sure
21. Have you connected with other parents who are experiencing similar issues?
- A. Yes, regularly
- B. Yes, occasionally
- C. No, but I would like to
- D. No, and I don’t plan to
22. How do you think early intervention (by schools, government, etc.) could have helped your child?
- A. It could have made a big difference
- B. It might have helped somewhat
- C. It likely wouldn’t have made a difference
- D. Not sure
23. What suggestions do you have for improving support for parents of hikikomori, dropouts, and NEETs?
(Please write your thoughts.)