Question from a reader:
If I answer carelessly during a guidance session, what kind of impact will that have?

The Impact of Carelessly Answering During Guidance

Since becoming a university student, I have been studying psychology while working part-time at a judicial scrivener’s office. Recently, I received a question regarding guidance. The question was, “What kind of impact will there be if
I answer carelessly during guidance?” This is a very important topic and has some complex aspects, but I would like to explain it as clearly as possible.

What is Guidance?

First, it is necessary to understand the meaning of the term “guidance.” Guidance is an educational measure taken by public institutions such as the police or the board of education when a minor engages in illegal activities. For example, this may occur if someone is out late at night or is drinking or smoking. At this time, it is common for police officers to approach and ask what kind of behavior the individual was engaged in. The purpose of guidance is not merely to impose punishment but to educate minors about the dangers of their actions and to help prevent recurrence. With this background in mind, let’s consider the impact of answering carelessly.

Risks of Answering Carelessly

Now, the act of “answering carelessly” comes with several risks. Specifically, the following impacts can be considered.

Possibility of Misunderstanding

Answering carelessly can lead to misunderstandings with police officers or guidance personnel. For example, if you answer “I wasn’t doing anything,” but in reality, you were committing a minor offense, your credibility will be lost. If this continues, there may be doubts about whether you are genuinely reflecting on your actions during future guidance sessions, and conversely, the risk of receiving a harsher response increases.

Legal Implications

From a legal perspective, answering carelessly may, in some cases, be regarded as giving false testimony. Particularly if you were involved in any illegal activities, the police will investigate the details. Consequently, there is a possibility of being held legally responsible. Even as a minor, it is important to remember that your statements carry responsibility.

Educational Impact

While guidance has strong educational significance, answering carelessly can lead to losing that opportunity. During guidance, you are given a chance to reflect on your actions. By sincerely confronting and reviewing your behavior, it often leads to positive outcomes in your future life. By providing careless answers, you may ruin that valuable opportunity.

Lessons from Personal Experience

Here, I would like to share a bit of my own experience. When I had just entered university, I was out late with friends. Eventually, I had to return home late at night and was stopped by the police along the way. During the guidance session, I was nervous and thoughtlessly said, “I was just hanging out with friends.” In reality, my friends were engaging in somewhat risky behavior, so I struggled with my statements at that moment. As a result, the police did not take me seriously and I received somewhat strict guidance. I still think that if I had spoken more honestly about my actions, I might have received a softer response.

Conclusion: The Importance of Sincere Reflection

Answering carelessly during guidance can lead to misunderstandings and legal risks. From an educational perspective, it also means missing the chance to reflect on your actions. Careless statements may affect your credibility and evaluation in the future. Considering this, it becomes clear that what you say during guidance is very important. If you find yourself in a situation where you are receiving guidance, it is crucial to reflect on your actions honestly without fear. I hope to utilize such experiences to make better choices in my future life. I would be happy if this blog helps deepen your understanding of guidance, even just a little. I hope that if you face similar situations, you will confront them sincerely. Reflecting on your own actions leads to a better future.