Nikko City and NPO Key Design Launch LINE Consultation Service for Parents of Children with School Refusal

Starting June 1, 2026, Nikko City will launch a LINE-based consultation service, 'Mother and Father's Health Room @ Nikko City,' to support parents of children experiencing school refusal or reluctance to attend school. This project is led by the Nikko City Child and Family Support Division and operated by the NPO Key Design. The period between the end of Golden Week and summer vacation is when concerns regarding school attendance often surface. The service provides a platform for parents to consult via LINE about issues they often struggle with alone, such as 'my child doesn't want to go to school,' 'my child complains of feeling unwell in the morning,' or 'I'm tired of communicating with the school.' School refusal can become a challenge for the entire family, not just the child. Parents often face burdens such as daily interactions, disrupted life rhythms, impacts on siblings, school communication, work-life balance, and internal family conflicts. Especially at the onset of school refusal, parents often feel isolated due to anxieties like 'Should I force them to go?' or 'Who should I talk to?' The service aims to provide comprehensive support, including how to interact with the child, family communication, school interaction, and self-care for parents. Consultations can be sent at any time, with responses provided on Mondays and Tuesdays (excluding holidays) from 9:00 to 21:00. By utilizing LINE, the service aims to be more accessible than phone or in-person consultations. If necessary, the service will connect parents to appropriate local resources, such as the Nikko City Family and Child Consultation Center. NPO Key Design, based in Tochigi Prefecture, has extensive experience in supporting families through its 'Mother's Health Room' LINE service, free schools, and the 'Tayori' portal site. Representative Director Yuhei Dobashi stated, 'When a child struggles to go to school, parents carry a heavy burden alone. We want to create a place where they can consult before problems become severe and connect them to necessary local support.'