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Universal early childhood education and adolescent risky behavior

Author

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  • Ando, Michihito
  • Mori, Hiroaki
  • Yamaguchi, Shintaro

Abstract

The evidence for the effects of early childhood education on risky behavior in adolescence is limited. This paper studies the consequences of an expansion of a universal preschool program in Japan. Exploiting regional differences in the program expansion, we estimate the policy effects using an event study model. Our estimates indicate that the preschool expansion significantly reduced juvenile violent arrests and the rate of teenage pregnancy, but did not increase high school enrollment or college enrollment rates. We suspect that improved non-cognitive skills can account for the reduction of risky behavior in adolescence.

Suggested Citation

  • Ando, Michihito & Mori, Hiroaki & Yamaguchi, Shintaro, 2025. "Universal early childhood education and adolescent risky behavior," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 245(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:245:y:2025:i:c:s0047272725000519
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2025.105353
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H52 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Education
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • K40 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - General

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