The "Act on Measures for the Prevention of Sexual Violence, etc. against Children by School Founders, etc. and Private Education and Childcare Business Operators" (hereinafter referred to as the "Act", also commonly referred to as the "Child Sexual Violence Prevention Act") will come into effect on December 25, 2026.

With the enforcement of this Act, students participating in teaching practicums, caregiving experience programs, internships, volunteer activities, or other activities required for the acquisition of a teaching license may be subject to confirmation of any prior convictions for sexual offenses. Please note the following important considerations:

Furthermore, in light of these considerations, Hiroshima University requires that prior consent to the relevant matters be provided at the time of enrollment procedures.

Important Notes for Students Participating in Practicum/Field Activities

• Where a practicum or activity is determined to involve situations such as one-on-one interaction with children, a considerably long duration, or conditions in which students may exercise control, continuity, or operate within a closed environment in relation to children, verification of prior sexual offense convictions may be required. The final decision regarding the necessity of such verification will be made by the host organization of the practicum or activity.
• If such verification is deemed necessary, the student concerned will be required to submit official documents, such as a certificate of family register, to the Children and Families Agency.
• Students who are confirmed to have prior sexual offense convictions will not be permitted to participate in practicums or activities involving contact with children.
• Students with prior sexual offense convictions may become ineligible to obtain the relevant qualifications due to their inability to complete required practicums or activities.
• For students enrolled in the Elementary Education Program and the Special Needs Education Program within Cluster 1 of the School of Education, a prior sexual offense conviction may make them unable to graduate due to their inability to complete required practicums.
• Prior to participation in any practicum or activity, all students are required to submit a written declaration confirming that they have no prior sexual offense convictions.

Consent to Related Matters at This University

In light of the purpose of the Act and the importance of matters related to practicums, Hiroshima University requires consent to the following items (1) through (3) at the time of enrollment procedures:

1. After the enforcement date of the "Act on Measures for the Prevention of Sexual Violence, etc. against Children by School Founders, etc. and Private Education and Childcare Business Operators" (Act No. 69 of 2024; scheduled to come into effect on December 25, 2026), there is a possibility that, prior to participating in practicums, verification of criminal history based on the Act may be conducted. Where, through such procedures, a student is found to have prior convictions for specified sexual offenses, that student will not be permitted to participate in practicums involving contact with children, on the grounds that there is a risk of sexual violence against children.
2. If a student is unable to participate in practicums, they may be unable to satisfy the requirements for graduation and, consequently, may not be able to graduate.
3. If a student is unable to participate in practicums, they will be unable to meet the requirements for obtaining a standard teaching license, which is granted upon completion of a teacher training program and graduation from a university or equivalent institution.

Reference

For further details regarding the Act, please refer to the website of the Children and Families Agency:

"Act on Measures for the Prevention of Sexual Violence, etc. against Children by School Founders, etc. and Private Education and Childcare Business Operators": https://www.cfa.go.jp/policies/child-safety/efforts/koseibouhou

*Please note that the above website is currently available only in Japanese.

Contact Information:
Education Promotion Group, Department of Educational Affairs,

Education Office, Hiroshima University

TEL: +81-82-424-5796

E-mail: gsyugaku-group@office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp