Approximately 80% of Elementary School Teachers Feel Children's "Discomfort" in April, Suggesting a Gap with Parents' Perceptions. The Importance of Lifestyle Habits from Early Childhood Revealed Through "Spring Fatigue" in First Graders.

Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (President & COO: Takeshi Minakata) conducted a "Survey on Changes in Children's Physical Condition in Spring"*1 targeting current elementary school teachers with experience teaching first graders and parents of elementary school students.

This survey was conducted to clarify the changes in children's physical condition and demeanor observed in April, when the new school year begins, from both the school and home perspectives, and to deepen understanding of children's health management in spring when new lives begin.

*1 Survey Target: 1) 500 current elementary school teachers with experience teaching first graders nationwide. 2) 1004 parents living with elementary school children (grades 1-6) nationwide. / Survey Method: Internet survey. / Survey Period: February 25-27, 2026.

*2 A concept indicating "discomfort below the threshold of illness" due to factors such as temperature fluctuations, changes in barometric pressure, and the "burden of continuous new experiences" from environmental changes in new life.

*3 "Discomfort" in this survey refers not to clear illnesses or infections diagnosed by medical institutions, but to changes in physical condition or demeanor such as lethargy, fatigue, sleepiness, and decreased concentration, where the cause is unclear, and the child's condition is perceived as "different from usual."

The survey results showed that approximately 80% of elementary school teachers (83.4%) feel that "children experience a lot of vague discomfort in April." This tendency was particularly strong among first graders who face significant environmental changes from kindergarten/nursery school to elementary school. On the other hand, only about 30% of parents (34.2%) felt their children were experiencing discomfort in April, suggesting a potential gap in perception between the school environment and the home regarding children's physical condition changes.

April, when tension from a new environment and changes in daily routines often coincide, is a period when children are prone to experiencing significant physical and mental strain. This survey confirmed that discomfort such as lethargy, fatigue, and sleepiness observed during this period is particularly common among first graders, indicating a state that can be described as "spring fatigue"*2.

Furthermore, it was observed that both schools and homes are conscious of not pushing children too hard and paying attention to lifestyle aspects such as sleep and diet. Considering that early childhood is a crucial period for building the foundation of immunity, the importance of a perspective that supports the "foundation of health" by regulating daily lifestyle habits is suggested.

Actual Conditions of Elementary School Students at the Start of the New School Year

■Approximately 80% of teachers feel children experience more discomfort in April, but it may be difficult for families to notice.

When asked, "Do you feel that there is more discomfort*3 in children's physical condition or demeanor in April compared to other months?", 83.4% of elementary school teachers responded "Yes." This indicates that changes in children's physical and mental condition tend to manifest more readily in the school environment at the start of the new school year (Figure 1). On the other hand, in response to the question, "Did you notice any discomfort in your child in April?", only 34.2% of parents answered "Yes," suggesting that these changes may be difficult for families to notice (Figure 2).

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