Japan Proposes Restrictions on Digital-Only Textbooks in Schools

What happened

The Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has proposed draft guidelines regarding the use of digital textbooks in schools. These proposals follow legislative amendments to the School Education Law enacted in June, which established three textbook formats: paper-only, digital-only, and print-digital hybrid [1, 2].

The draft guidelines suggest that paper-based learning should remain the primary method. Digital materials, including audio and video, would be subject to government certification and used in a supplementary or complementary manner [2]. The ministry plans to seek public comments on these draft guidelines before finalizing them by the end of the year [1, 2].

Key implementation dates for the new formats are as follows:

• 2030 academic year: Introduction in elementary schools [1, 2].
• 2031 academic year: Introduction in junior high schools [1, 2].
• 2032 academic year: Introduction in high schools [1, 2].

Experts in developmental psychology have expressed concerns that digital versions could significantly impact children whose cognitive functions are still developing [2]. Additionally, a parliamentary league for print culture, chaired by former Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, has submitted a petition to preserve paper-based learning and study the effects of digital textbooks on student health and academic performance [2].

Who is affected

The proposed guidelines affect students across different grade levels in Japan:

• Students in fourth grade and below: Digital-only textbooks would not be permitted, and learning would be mostly paper-based with limited digital content [1, 2].
• Students in fifth grade and above: Textbooks would be mainly paper-based, though digital-only formats would be permitted specifically for English and practical subjects like music and art [1, 2].

Authorities also plan to monitor the impact of digital textbooks on students’ eyesight and general health [1, 2]. The guidelines also mention that measures will be taken to support students with disabilities [2]. Regarding artificial intelligence, the ministry stated it will consider its incorporation into textbooks while monitoring empirical studies [2].