'You are not your own'

Following a couple of accidents some students have had of late, on their way home from school; the vice principle (or vice president, as my supervisor sometimes calls him- I can't find it in me to correct him!!) lectured the students in Japanese at the closing (end of term/year) ceremony: "You are not your own [person]." And something along the lines of 'You belong to your parents and family, and other people who care about you, like teachers here.' Watch your speed. Don't just zoom down the hill. Be careful etc etc. What I found interesting was the first line. This is how a society continues being group- centred, not individualist. At my school, in 6th form, we were constantly reminded to strive to be "eagles, not budgies" and be high fliers - "the sky's the limit" etc. How different to that individualist - you can do anything- mentality, to the 'don't be so selfish and self -centred' admonition. Obviously English schools do stress student safety and well being too, but its stand point on the individual does seem to be slightly different...