Japanese children’s perspectives on the

(Cathy)
Hideo

Could you give me a brief description about peer relations and friendships in your class and school?

Cathy

Everyone is divided into several groups. But when we need to cooperate together, all my class mates work together and support each other.

Hideo

Really, great.

All pupils have good relationships, don’t they?

Cathy

Yes they do.

Hideo

Does any bullying occur?

Cathy

I think there is no bullying.

Hideo

Why did you choose to be a peer supporter?

Cathy

Because teachers and my friends recommended that I was a peer supporter.

Hideo

So the teachers and your friends recommend you to be a peer supporter, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

Were you shy of being a peer supporter?

Cathy

At the beginning, I hesitated to be a peer supporter. But many pupils asked me to be a peer supporter many times, and I was resigned to the necessity.
Hideo

Hahahah. You were resigned to necessity, is that right?

Cathy

Yes, I was.

Hideo

So you had no choice? Because everyone recommended you to be.

Cathy

I had no choice.

Hideo

Well, how do you feel when you are doing the peer support activities?

Cathy

I enjoy peer support activities.

Hideo

You enjoy, is that right?

Cathy

Yes, I enjoy.

Hideo

Did you have any hardships?

Cathy

Because all peer supports were funny guys, so I enjoyed.

Hideo

You enjoyed the activities, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

I understand

Well, do you think the peer-led activities give good influences to our school life?

Cathy

Some pupils actively joined…….

Hideo

What do you mean some pupils joined…..?

Cathy

Pupils who want to work for others, joined the activities, and this produced good influences.

Hideo

I think pupils picked up garbage, is that right?

Cathy

Many pupils joined for picking up garbage, and also many pupils supported the fund-raising activities.

Hideo

Many pupils supported the activities, didn’t they?

Cathy

Yes, they did.

Hideo

Well, their morale was high, is that right?

Cathy

Yes. I think so.

Hideo

So many pupils’ morale was high. Could you explain the reason why other pupils do not want to be a peer supporter?

Cathy

Because pupils are shy to do something in front of people………this kind of reason.

Hideo

Well, so many pupils’ morale is high, therefore when there are some opportunities to join the activities, many pupils would like to join, is that right?

Cathy

Yes, you are right.

Hideo

I see

Were there any pupils who did not join the activities?

Cathy

Some pupils did not.

Hideo

They did not join the activities at all, is that right?

Cathy

These pupils joined the activities when the activities were compulsory.

Hideo

I see. I understand.

Well, could you explain the reason why other pupils do not want to be a peer supporter?

Cathy

It depends on each pupil’s morale, I think.

Hideo

Could you give me an example?

Cathy

Pupils who want to work for others, tend to join the activities. Pupils who can’t be bothered to do that, tend not to join.

Hideo

As you mentioned, some pupils have high morale, but they are too shy to take actions. This means, some pupils want to take actions, but they hesitated to do that, is that right?

Cathy

I think they are not determined to devote themselves to that.

Hideo

If the pupils are determined, they would take actions, is that right?

Cathy

If the pupils are determined, they can do whatever they want.

Hideo

Your opinions are very powerful. I think your club is volleyball. Maybe you have powerful opinions because you are trained by the club, is that right?

Cathy

Thank you very much.

Hideo

Well, are there any differences between pupils who actively join the activities, and pupils who are not active in joining the activities?

Cathy

All pupils tend to join and support the big school events.

For example, everyone has cooperated together for skiing camp, sports festival, and so on.

Hideo

The big school events?

Cathy

Yes, the big school events.

Hideo

How about small school events? Is that not good enough?

Cathy

If they are not interested in small school events, they would not join and support the activities.

Hideo

Really? For example, pupils are not interested in picking up garbage, is that right?

Cathy

You are right. We had a cleaning campaign and a Bell-sit on a seat campaign, but some pupils did not take actions at all.

Hideo

I see. I understand

Well, do you think the school needs to have peer support systems?
　

Cathy

I think the school needs the peer support systems.

Hideo

Why?

Cathy

Everyone…..we use the school and make the school dirty. Thus we need to clean the school up. Also we need to increase our morale.

Hideo

You mean, by doing the activities, you can increase your morale, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

I think just the teachers need to encourage the pupils and this would be fine.

Is that okay?

Cathy

When some pupils who are about the same age, encouraged other pupils, they tend to take actions more actively.

Hideo

Is that right?

Do you know the reason why?

Cathy

Pupils are more motivated by other pupils’ encouragements than adults’ encouragements.

Hideo

Do you have any example so far?

Cathy

Especially when the pupils were encouraged by reliable pupils, they would take actions.

Hideo

I see.

Well, pupils are more influenced by peers who are from the same generations rather than adults. Is that right?

Cathy

Yes, it is.

Hideo

Really? Are you sure?

Cathy.

Yes, I think what you said is right.

Hideo

How are the pupils influenced by?

Cathy

When the pupils are asked to take a seat by others who are about the same age, the pupils would often take their seats.

Hideo

Is that happening during class?

Cathy

Yes, it is.

Hideo

How about break time?

Cathy

During breaks, if some pupils are asked to be quieter by their friends, they become quieter.

Hideo

Well, pupil’s words are more effective than teachers’ words, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

Friends have an influential power, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

Do you have any ideas to improve the current peer support systems?

If you have, could you explain to me please?

Cathy

…………….

Hideo

What is your ideal situation?

Cathy

Ideal situation is that all pupils cooperate together.

Hideo

All pupils?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

Well, what do you need to do in order to actualise your ideal situation?

Cathy

We need to increase the events and activities which all pupils can join.

Hideo

Ohhh. You mean, you would like to do something all pupils can join

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

I see.

Do you have any other ideas?

Cathy

Others are……..

Hideo

Well, if you have a good experience as a peer supporter, could you tell me?

Cathy

Because of the peer support, I could make new friends of peer supporters.

Also, in days gone by, several pupils had eaten sweets in the school which were forbidden to eat, but now only a few pupils eat the sweets.

In addition, there was our own school summits, and I really enjoyed it.

Hideo

Ohhhh. Your own school summits!

Cathy

Only the peer supporters and pupils who gave support to the school summits were allowed to join the school summits,

Hideo

You feel the school summits were enjoyable and fulfilling, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

I enjoyed watching each class’s presentation.

Also when we gave our presentation, I rediscovered our class’s good points and bad points.

Hideo

Ahhhh….you were seeing your class in a new light when you gave your presentation, is that right.

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

Ohhhh. That is good.

Do you have any other good experiences?

Cathy

Because of peer support, I could easily talk to pupils who generally do not talk much.

Hideo

Ahhh…..some peer supporters are still shy, is that right?

Cathy

I am talking about the pupils who generally do not stay with me and do not talk to me.

Hideo

Ahhh. You mean you have more opportunities to talk to these pupils who generally do not talk to you, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Because of the peer support, I have more opportunities to talk to others.

Hideo

I see. I can guess you would not talk to quiet pupils if you do not have some special reasons.

Cathy

Yes, you are right.

Hideo

Were you a shy person before?

Cathy

Yes, I was a shy person.

Hideo

Are you sure?

Cathy

I am sure.

Hideo

You are doing well as a peer supporter.

You can speak in front of people after joining the peer support team, is that right?

Cathy

I am still shy when I speak in front of many people,

Hideo

Do you think you are better than you were before?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

How are you getting better?

Cathy

In days gone by, I was able to speak only in front of my friends unashamedly.

However, now I am able to speak in front of all my class mates when I need to speak to them.

Hideo

Ahhh. You improved your communication skills, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

Do you think so?

Cathy

I think so.

Hideo

If what I said is not correct, please let me know.

Cathy

Yes, I do.

Also I am able to behave with confidence.

Hideo

How?

Cathy

I was able speak to others…….also at the school summits, I was able to speak in front of people.

Hideo

That is good.

Well, what is the most enjoyable things when you are doing peer support?

Cathy

I enjoy our own school summits and skiing camp.

Hideo

How do you enjoy them?

Cathy

When we had our own school summits, we five pupils were representatives from our class. So I enjoyed discussing our ideas with the other 4 pupils.

Hideo

So you enjoyed when you were doing preparation rather than doing presentation, is that right?
Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

Other peer supporters said the same things. All peer supporters enjoyed doing preparations.

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

Well, what are the things you do not like about peer support?

Cathy

Occasionally I was late for classes (because of peer support)……

Hideo

You mean you were late because of peer support activities?

Cathy

Yes. Well……when we need to go to different class room, I need to lock our class room. But some pupils stay at class room late. Thus I need to be late for the class.

Hideo

I see.

Well, do you have any difficulties when you do the peer support?

Cathy

Just what I said is my difficulties.

Hideo

Ahhh? Really?

Do you have any other difficulties?

Cathy

I do not have.

Hideo

Ahhh…is that all? Do you have any other?

Cathy

No, I do not have.

Hideo

Are you sure?

Cathy

I am sure.

Hideo

Do you have any experiences…..like some pupils shared their problems with you and you had worked very hard for it?

Cathy

I did not have.

Hideo

Really?

Cathy

I do not have.

Hideo

Well, what do you think about difficulties?

Cathy

When I faced the difficulties, I found it hard to cope with them. But my friends gave me support, thus I have been able to work as a peer supporter until now.

Hideo

Your friends supported you, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

Your friends are not peer supporters, is that right?

Cathy

Yes. Well…my class mates, often said to me, “are you alright?”.

They console me and also cheer me up, thus I was able to work as a peer supporter.

Hideo

I see….you have friends who support peer supporters, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

You have good friends, do you?

Cathy

Yes.
Hideo

Your friends suggested you to be a peer supporter, thus they feel a responsibility to support you, is that right?

Cathy

I do not think so, because other friends give encouragements to me

Hideo

Really?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

When you have face the problems, have you asked your supervisor for help?

Cathy

…………………….

Hideo

Have you got any advice from the supervisor?

Cathy

Yes, I got.

Hideo

Was it useful for you?

Cathy

It was useful.

Hideo

How useful was it?

Could you give me an example?

Cathy

Before I give my presentation, the supervisor have checked my manuscript.

Hideo

I see.

Have you received any support from other pupils?

Any other support?

Cathy

I have not.

Hideo

Do you have any negative feelings toward difficulties?

Cathy

I used to have negative feelings.

Hideo

What is the important thing to overcome the difficulties?

What is the important thing?

Cathy

As I thought, friends…..peers are the most important, I think.

Hideo

Really? Could you give an example?

Cathy

When I feel down……when I feel blue, friends are able to support me.

So the most important thing is friends, I think.

Hideo

Because of your friends, you are able to work hard, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

Have you changed your mind after overcoming your difficulties?

Cathy

I would like to join the peer support team again (in next term).

Hideo

I believe it is very hard for you to work as a peer supporter.

After overcoming the difficulties, you would like to join the peer support team again, is that right?

Cathy

Yes. You are right.

Hideo

Do you think so?

Cathy

Yes.

At first, I became a peer supporter because of my friends’ recommendations.

But next time, I am wondering whether I should join the peer support team by myself or not.

Hideo

I see

Well, some time ago, you mentioned that it is a key to involve other pupils into activities in order to have great activities….

Do you have any idea how to involve other pupils?

Cathy

If all pupils cooperated together at the school events which all pupils were forced to attend…….like….school trip, sports festival……

Hideo

I see. Well, except these school events, do you have any ideas?

How can you involve all pupils into activities?

Cathy

All pupils…………….

Hideo

It seems difficult…..(for you to answer……)

Well, whose advice do pupils listen to?

How could you make everyone join the activities?

Cathy

Everyone attended ball game event.

Hideo

I see.

As you thought, school events are important, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

When we have enjoyable events which everyone are interested in, all pupils would like to join these events.

Hideo

You mean you need something to attract the interest of everyone, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

You would like to have the events which attract everyone’s interest, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

So you believe if we have attractive events, everyone would join the events and all pupils can create harmony among them, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

Maybe you believe, if pupils can create harmony among them, they would like to have supportive attitudes for the next activity, is that right?

Cathy

Probably, I think so.

Hideo

What I said is right?

Cathy

Yes, you are right.

Hideo

If what I said is wrong, please let me know.

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

Well, ….I believe some pupils show negative attitudes toward peer support activities, so how do you make contact with them?

Cathy

I just contact everyone in a normal manner.

Everyone has his/her friends so there are no quiet indrawn pupils.

Hideo

What do you mean?

Cathy

Indrawn……..

Hideo

Are there any pupils who show negative attitudes toward peer support activities?

Cathy

There are no pupils who show negative attitudes toward peer support activities.

Hideo

Really? That is good.

Cathy

Yes.

Most pupils joined the activities with their friends. Some pupils do not want to do at all, but their friends support them to do the activities together.

Hideo

You mean pupils tend to be strongly influenced by their friends, is that right?

Even when some pupils tried to leave the activities, their friends support them to continue to do the activities together, is that right?

Cathy

Yes. You are right.

Hideo

Because the pupils support their friends, then, this seems to create harmony among pupils, is that right?

Cathy

Yes

Hideo

Do you think what I said is right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

When you feel down because of peer support, how do you cheer yourself up?

Cathy

I share my feelings with my friends and my parents……like talking with them, then I try to clear my head and mind. Then I work again.

Hideo

I see

Do you think Volleyball (Cathy’s club) is good for reducing stress?

Cathy

Volleyball is a different thing from stress reduction.

Hideo

So you do not play volleyball for reducing stress….like you shout and play it, is that right?

Cathy

No, I do not.

Hideo

You treat volleyball as an exception, and you play it hard, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

I understand

Well, a little while ago you mentioned you got support from your supervisor.

Was it useful?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

Do you have any examples?

Cathy

I do not have example…..

Hideo

Well, what do you think about current peer support activities in your school?

Cathy

I think they are good.

Hideo

You are satisfied with that, is that right?

Cathy

But still half of pupils do not actively join the activities.

It would be great if all pupils join the activities.

Hideo

You mean still some pupils do not join the activities at all…is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

Do you think the current situation of your school is much better than before?

Cathy

As a whole, pupils’ behaviour is getting better.

In my class, at the beginning, most pupils were unused to the situation and stayed very quiet. But gradually pupils were getting noisier.

Hideo

Ahhh. I see.

If there are no school summits in your school, what do you think?

Cathy

If there are no school summits, the pupils would not have supportive environments, no unity power.

Hideo

How about pupils’ situation?

Cathy

I do not know.

Hideo

Currently, not only your school, but also other schools cooperate to have school summits.

So what do you think about school summits?

Cathy

I think it is a good idea to talk to many pupils from other schools.

Hideo

Why do you think so?

Cathy

Because we are able to know some stories and situations of other schools.

Hideo

If you know situations from other schools, what is going on?

What is the merit of knowing other schools’ information?

Cathy

We can learn something good from other schools and we can apply good ideas for our school.

Hideo

I see. You can learn from other schools’ ideas and you can use the ideas for your school, is that right?

Cathy

Yes,

Hideo

If there are no school summits, would you have trouble?

Cathy

If we do not have school summits, only traditional (ritual) school events are available to us．Thus, it is better to have the school summits.

Hideo

You think it is a good idea to have the school summits, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

If there are no school summits, would you have trouble?

Cathy

If there are no school summits, it is very difficult for us to create new events and activities. We would be troubled.

Hideo

Ahhh. I guess…..because of the school summits, you pupils can widen your points of view, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

What I said is right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

I see

Well, once again, do you feel any difference between pupils who actively join the activities and pupils who do not actively join?

Cathy

The difference is their motivations. The matters are their morale.

Hideo

The matter is pupils’ morale, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

Well, what is the important thing to change their morale and mind?

Cathy

If some pupils……like close friends, encourage the pupils, they would take actions, I think.

Hideo

You mean friends are their close friends, is that right?

Cathy

Yes

Hideo

If their close friends encourage the pupils, they would take actions?

Cathy

If their best friends said “let do it together” to pupils who do not actively join the activities, they would take actions.

Hideo

Do you think this is the best way?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

How about if the teachers ask pupils?

Cathy

It is better that friends ask the pupils rather than teachers ask.

Hideo

Ahahaha. I see.

If you were not a peer supporter, do you think you would actively join the activities?

Cathy

I think I would not join them.

Hideo

You would not?

Cathy

I think I would be relaxing.

Hideo

Hahahah.

Why do you think so?

Cathy

Because I feel I would not be interested in peer support, and I would take it easy and just join the activities

Hideo

I think peer supporters play great roles.

Do you think peer supporters have a responsibility?

Cathy

Peer supporters are responsible

Hideo

So you feel responsible when you are doing peer support, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

How do you feel?

Cathy

If I do not work hard, other pupils would not work hard too.

So I teach myself that if we peer supporters do not work hard, others would not.

Hideo

Ahhhh.

You mean……..like leaderships……you need to behave as a role model, is that right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

What I said is right?

Cathy

Yes.

Hideo

I see

Do you have anything to tell me?

Cathy

I would like to actively attend activities and make new friends.

Hideo

I see. You can do it if you make efforts.

Ahahaha. Please join the peer support team again next year.

Cathy

Yes, I will.

Hideo

Thank you very much for your help over a long time.

Cathy

Yes.