Suicide Among Japan's Children at an All-Time High

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(Warning: This article contains references to suicide.)

The new school year has just begun in Japan. Some children are looking forward to the new school year, while others feel depressed and helpless. Sadly, this is also the time when the risk of suicide among students tends to rise.

Communication among school-age children now takes place largely on social media. As a result, it is difficult to grasp the reality — even when bullying or other forms of mistreatment are occurring.

How, then, can parents and teachers know for sure if their child is calling out for help? Adults must use their wisdom to prevent more youngsters who could have a wonderful future from being pushed into needlessly sacrificing it all.

Youth Suicide Statistics

According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, 529 elementary, junior high, and high school students took their own lives in 2024 — the highest number since statistics began in 1980. This marked an increase of 16 compared to the previous year.

Japan is the only G7 country where suicide is the leading cause of death among teenagers. This is a worrying situation, and the government and schools need to take it seriously.

The relevant statistics were compiled by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare based on findings by the National Police Agency.

*A girl pushing her bicycle. (File photo)*

Girls at Greater Risk

Especially serious is the increase in suicides among junior high and high school girls. The number of cases has been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, reaching 284 in 2024. That was double the number recorded five years before.

"Problems at school" was identified as the most common cause or motive for juvenile suicides. A further breakdown shows the top reasons female high school students took their lives were "poor academic performance" and "concerns about their future other than entrance exams," followed by "trouble with schoolmates other than bullying." For junior high school girls, "trouble with schoolmates" stood out.

Are these children depressed by poor grades and loneliness and unable to envision any kind of desirable future for themselves? They need to realize that there are many different ways of living in this world. The adults in their lives need to recount to them how they overcame failures and setbacks in their own lives.

Support Starts at School

Involvement from school nurses and counselors is also essential in dealing with interpersonal relationships at school and health issues during the impressionable adolescent period. That is because children need reliable adults to whom they can confide their problems.

Nowadays, school counselors are assigned to most elementary, junior high, and high schools. Nonetheless, in many schools, they are present for less than four hours a week.

There are also other challenges, such as inadequate budgets and a shortage of specialist staff. We must accelerate the training of specialists and deploy them to schools in greater numbers. Priority should be given to letting children feel safe in asking for help whenever they feel distressed.

It is also important to create places where children can relax, such as cafeterias, sports facilities, and hobby classes. When a child's life revolves around commuting between home and school, it can feel suffocating. Sharing different values that transcend generations should help young people gain confidence.

SEEKING HELP? If you are in Japan and having trouble with mental health due to workplace harassment, bullying, or for any other reason, someone is ready to help you in English at TELL Japan. Telephone (free dial inside Japan) 0800-300-8355. If you are outside of Japan, please check your national health authorities for guidance in your country.

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun

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