Japan plans to restrict digital-only textbooks in schools, with draft education guidelines proposing a ban for students in fourth grade and below.
For fifth graders and older students, digital-only textbooks would be permitted chiefly for English and practical subjects such as music and art. Paper-based learning would remain central as new textbook formats begin rolling out in 2030.
The education ministry’s proposals favor print-digital hybrid textbooks across grades and subjects, with digital material used to supplement lessons. Younger children would have more limited digital content than older students.
The approach follows concerns raised by experts about the effects of digital learning on children whose cognitive abilities are still developing. The draft also stresses the importance of handwriting and calls for dedicated writing time during classes.
Authorities would monitor the impact of digital textbooks on academic performance and students’ health, including eyesight. The guidelines allow for changes based on evidence collected from schools.
Legislative amendments enacted in June established paper-only, digital-only and hybrid textbook formats. The ministry plans to seek public comments before finalizing its guidelines by the end of the year.
The new formats are scheduled to be introduced in elementary schools in 2030, junior high schools in 2031 and high schools in 2032.
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