Despite the widely acknowledged harm that bullying causes, policies vary dramatically from one country to another. Japan and the United States serve as cases in point.
Recognizing that the existence of a law requiring schools to take action to stop bullying has been largely ineffective, the education ministry proposed that bullies would have to demonstrate a three-month absence of offensive behavior before the case against them could be resolved.
By doing so, the ministry is taking the first step toward a stiffer approach. A mere apology alone would not be enough. Victims would also have to provide evidence that they are physically and mentally recuperated.