Japan Government Says Intimidating and Abusing Children in the Name of Religion Can Harm Their Mental Health

Special Correspondent. Dhaka, October 8, 2026.

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The Japanese government has recently defined child abuse as the act of intimidating or torturing children in the name of religious beliefs. Following this initiative, the incidents of physical and mental abuse of children in madrasas in Bangladesh in the name of religious education demand a thorough investigation.

What does Japan’s guidelines say?

Japan’s guidelines list as problematic behavior those that include fear of hell or divine punishment, threats of illness and misfortune for the family if religious rules are not followed, limiting a child’s social life and future career because of their religious beliefs, and denying them necessary medical care. The surveillance has intensified after the 2022 assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was killed by a second-generation follower. The government acknowledges religious freedom but says it cannot use it as a pretext to cause psychological harm to a child.

Risks according to experts

According to researchers working in child psychology and mental health, chronic fear, threats, and emotional abuse in childhood can affect a child’s brain development and ability to regulate emotions. Studies have found links to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, lack of self-confidence, and inability to form relationships.

In some cases, children who grow up in an environment of fear and punishment may develop a lack of empathy, anger, and aggressive behavior. Some may apply this pattern of power and control to others later in life. Childhood abuse is considered a risk factor for antisocial behavior and violence.

However, experts caution that this is not a direct causal relationship. Genetic traits, family environment, social status and other factors also play a role in psychopathy or psychotic violence. Most children who grow up in an environment of fear do not become violent. Instead, they are more likely to develop self-destructive mental states, such as depression and self-loathing.

Society’s to-do list

Analysts see this Japanese initiative as an important step towards child psychological protection. According to them, religious beliefs and a child’s psychological safety are not contradictory. Providing moral education through love, explanation and discussion, rather than fear, is effective for a child’s healthy development.

Bangladesh context

At various times, the media has reported cases of children being whipped, chained or tied up, sexually abused, and injured or killed in madrasas. In 2011, the High Court banned physical and mental punishment in all educational institutions, including madrasas. Child rights groups allege that its implementation in practice is weak. There is a lack of monitoring, especially in private and residential madrasas, and the victimized families often do not complain due to social pressure and shame.

In some cases, punishment is seen as part of “teaching manners” or “religious education.” This is similar to the behavior identified in the Japanese guidelines, in which fear and control are imposed on children in the name of religious legitimacy.

Possible effects on children

Psychological research suggests that chronic fear, beatings, and humiliation in childhood can affect a child’s emotional regulation and brain development. This can commonly result in:

– Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress
– Lack of confidence and reluctance to study
– Inability to build trust and relationships
– Fear of the abuser and at the same time a negative attitude towards religious education or religion

In some cases, abused children may grow up to show anger, aggressive behavior, and lack empathy. Some victims of childhood abuse later resort to the same behavior on others, in what experts call a cycle of violence. There is also the risk that the abused student will later become a teacher and follow the same pattern.

Experts’ warning

According to experts, childhood abuse is a risk factor for violence, but it is not a guaranteed outcome. Genetic traits, family environment, and social circumstances also play a role in psychopathy or sadistic tendencies. In most children who are abused, the damage is manifested in self-harming behaviors such as depression, fear, and self-loathing.

They also remind us that not all madrasas are like this. In many madrasas, children are taught with care and compassion. The problem is not with religious education, but with the lack of teaching methods and accountability. The Japanese example is also from a different context, so it is relevant as a comparison, but not the same.

What to do?

Child rights experts suggest the following steps:

– Enforce the law banning physical and mental punishment in all educational institutions, including madrasas
– Maintain a safe system for regular inspections and reporting complaints in residential madrasas
– Provide training to teachers on child-friendly teaching methods
– Make parents aware and develop a culture of seeking redress without hiding incidents of abuse
– Ensure counseling and treatment for abused children

According to analysts, religious and moral education has a lasting and positive impact on a child’s mind when taught through love and explanation rather than fear.