In October 2023, Saitama Prefecture’s proposal to revise its abuse prohibition ordinance created quite a stir. [Background] Accidents continued to occur with buses transporting preschool children that were not inspected when exiting the bus, leaving a child in the vehicle for long periods with the doors locked. There have been accidents in which parents have left infants and small children in the car while they shop, play pachinko , etc., resulting in deaths from heat stroke and other causes. [Context] Prohibit children from going to and from school alone or playing alone in parks, etc. Defining leaving children alone as abuse. [Pros] Such strict rules are necessary to prevent accidents. In many foreign countries, it is common to recognize that children should not be left alone at home. Very good in terms of keeping children safe. [Cons] Over-intervention by government agencies that do not understand the circumstances of single-parent and dualearner households. Japan has many safe areas, and there is often no need to worry about children acting alone. [Result] The proposed ordinance was repealed with the result that it was mostly opposed. Japanese people do not like the idea of government forcibly intervening in civil affairs. However, this discussion has raised more awareness about child safety. (From December issue, 2023 / 2023年12月号より)