長崎県立大学国際交流研究センター『東アジア評論』
第 16 号（2024.3）〈研究論文〉

Child Suicides in the COVID-19 Pandemic:
The Need to Address Mental Health
Xi JIA
Akihiko SUZUKI
Abstract
The rising number of child suicides in recent years has become a social concern, with causes such as academic underachievement and mental disorders, such as depression, dominating the statistics. The COVID-19
pandemic has also been linked to an increase in depressive tendencies due to isolation and loneliness. However,as child suicide is the result of a complex interplay of factors, it is essential that cases are carefully investigatedunder expert guidance. It is also important to understand the socio-economic factors, such as weakening social
ties and declining self-esteem among children in Japan. It is believed that a change in adult attitudes and a majorsocietal shift are needed to address this issue.

−9−長崎県立大学国際交流研究センター『東アジア評論』
第 16 号（2024.3）

Introduction

tary, junior high and senior high school students,
hereafter school children) in 2022 was 514, exceed-

The mental state and mental health of children

ing 500 for the first time since statistics began in

was in crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1980, the highest number ever. If university students

Around the world, mental disorders are a significant

and vocational school students are included theand often ignored cause of suffering that interfere

number rises to 1,063.

with children’s health. Child Suicides, in particular,Child suicide is also more serious in Japan thanare on the increase and the problem is becoming

in other countries. Comparing per capita suicide

more serious.

death rates (suicide rate per 100,000 population) in a

According to the United Nations Children's

group of seven highly economically developed

Fund (UNICEF) Report, more than one in seven ad-

countries (G7), Japan has the highest rates among

olescents aged 10 to 19 worldwide has been diag-these countries, as well as among teenagers andnosed with a mental disorder, and nearly 46,000 ad-

those in their twenties. Moreover, Japan is the only

olescents die from suicide each year, ranking suicidecountry where suicide is the leading cause of deathas the fifth most prevalent cause of death for the age

in the 10 to 19 age group. In the 15 to 19 age group,1

group .

suicide accounts for more than 50% of all deaths3.

In Japan, the environment surrounding childChild suicide needs to be regarded as a serious prob-

suicide has become increasingly severe over the pastlem for society, especially in Japan.

two decades. The annual number of suicides in all

This study aims to analyze the societal factors

age groups peaked at 34,427 in 2003, and then de-contributing to child suicide in Japan, using dataclined, remaining at about the 20,000 level. Sincefrom media reports and official data, such as suicide

the Basic Act on Suicide Prevention was passed inprevention reports, and other public sources. The

2006, the number of suicides has been on the de-aim is to suggest necessary measures and advocate

cline, with the number of male suicides increasing

for social change to address the issue.

for the first time in 13 years and the number of female suicides increasing for the third consecutive
year in 2022, although still more than 10,000 fewer

1. Suicide and the Mental Health Situationof Children and Adolescentsthan at the peak in 2003. However, the number ofchild suicides did not fall during this period. Since

1) Current Situation in the International Com-

2016, when the Basic Law on Suicide Prevention

munitywas amended the number of child suicides has con-

In October 2021, UNICEF warned that chil-tinued to increase. According to statistics from thedren and adolescents could suffer the mental healthNational Police Agency there were 567 suicides

consequences of COVID-19 for many years toamong people under the age of 19 in 2017. This

come. According to the latest estimates, more thannumber increased to 798 in 2022 . In particular, theone in seven young people aged 10 to 19 worldwide

number of suicides among school children (elemen-

have been diagnosed with a mental disorder. Nearly2− 10 −

Child Suicides in the COVID-19 Pandemic : The Need to Address Mental Health46,000 young people commit suicide each year,

shows that the number of children committing sui-making it one of the five leading causes of death incide is increasing4.

this age group. In addition, initial results from an in(2) Current Situation of Child Suicide in Japan

ternational survey of children and adults in 21 countries conducted by UNICEF and Gallup on the im-

Suicide statistics from the White Paper on Sui-

pact of COVID-19 show that one in five young peo-cide Prevention in 2023 from Ministry of Health,ple aged 15 to 24 say they often feel depressed orLabor and Welfare Japanese National Police Agency

lethargic. These results show that the mental healthshow that while the number of suicides in Japan hadof children, who are vulnerable members of society,been declining since the enactment of the Basic Law

is further compromised by the significant environ-on Suicide Prevention, the number of suicides

mental changes that have occurred because of theamong those aged 19 and under has been steadily in-lockdown (urban blockades), educational settings,

creasing since 2016 and has been getting worse ev-

limited human contact, and blocked communication

ery year for the past 10 years (Figure 1).

during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also

Figure 1: Change in the Number of Suicides in Japan by Age Group

8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0

548

610

565

551

620

586

545

536

553

519

567

599

659

777

749 7962007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
0-9

10-19

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70-79

over 80

unidentified

Source: Based on Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare "White Paper on Suicide Prevention in 2023"− 11 −

長崎県立大学国際交流研究センター『東アジア評論』
第 16 号（2024.3）

Figure 2: Suicides among elementary, middle, and high school students

600
500
400
300
200
100
0

226

204

79

76

269

250

214

213

241

215

71

78

98

99

102

93

238

238

279

108

124

112

339

314

354

146

148

143

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
primary school students

junior high school students

senior high school students

Source: Based on "Suicide Statistics 2023" from the Japanese National Police Agency

Figure 3: Annual number of suicides among elementary, junior high, and high school students (by gender)
Schoolgirls

Schoolboys
300

300

200

200

100
0

100
2019

2020

2021

0

2022

primary school students

2019

2020
2021
senior high school students

junior high school students

junior high school students

senior high school students

primary school students

2022

Source: Based on "Suicide Statistics 2023" from the Japanese National Police Agency

According to Japanese Police statistics relatingsix) suicides5.

to 2022, a total of 514 primary, junior high and se-

As Figure 2 shows, the number of high schoolnior high school students committed suicide. It is thestudent suicides reached 339 in 2020, the highest

highest number since statistics began in 1980, andnumber up to that point. It fell in 2021, but increased

the first time the number exceeded 500. Senior highin 2022 to 354, even higher than in 2020. For juniorschool students accounted for the largest number,high school students, after reaching the previous

354 (up 40 from the previous year), or 70 percent ofhighest number for two consecutive years, 146 in

the total. There were 143 junior high school students

2020 and 148 in 2021, the number decreased in 2022

(down 5) and seventeen primary school students (upand remained high at 143. The number of suicides− 12 −

Child Suicides in the COVID-19 Pandemic : The Need to Address Mental Healthamong senior high school and junior high school

versity, an expert on children's welfare, stated thatstudents, especially among girls, reached a high lev-"everyone has worries about school life and future

el for three consecutive years after a large increase

careers, but the number of children who are unable

in 2020 (as shown in Figure 3), and the number of

to talk to their friends about their problems is proba-suicides among high school students exceeded that

bly increasing due to the weakening of human rela-of university students for three consecutive years.

tionships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic"7.

The figures above show that child suicide is

It should be noted, however, that a high per-continuously worsening compared to other genera-

centage of suicides among primary and junior hightions, with a record number of suicides and suicide

school students have no identifiable cause. Accord-

rates in 2022, making suicide a priority issue.

ing to the National Police Agency's suicide statistics,
more than 30% of the deaths of students and children who were presumed to be suicides in their early

2. Causes of Child Suicide

teenage years were treated as 'undetermined', andaround 25% even in the second half of their teens8.

According to the suicide statistics by the Japa-

In the National Police Agency's investigations, rea-nese National Policy Agency, the most common rea-sons for suicide are often deduced from suicide

son for suicides in children was "poor academic per-notes, words and deeds before death, and family

formance" (83 students), followed by "worries aboutstatements. Due to the impossibility of interviewing

career" (60 students). The rest were "worries/effects

the person after the fact there is often no data on theof illness (other mental illness)" (56 students), "dis-reasons or motives for suicide in the case of childcord with schoolmates (other than bullying)" (49suicides. This is particularly the case for children in

students), "worries/effects of depression" (44 stu-

their early teens, and it has been pointed out thatdents), and "discord in parent-child relationships"

even if there was an unpleasant event that triggered(40 students).

the suicide, the period leading up to the suicide isLong-term statistics for the period 2009-2021

shorter than in other households9. In addition, chil-show that a high proportion of primary school chil-dren face challenges, such as difficulty expressing

dren had 'family problems', with 'reprimand and dis-themselves, and it is often unclear whether all of

cipline from home' accounting for more than 20% of

their thoughts are expressed in suicide notes andall cases. Junior and senior high school students

consultations with those around them. It is alsotended to have a higher proportion of 'school prob-

pointed out that most suicides have multiple andlems', with poor academic performance and worries

complex causes and backgrounds and occur in theabout careers topping the list. Depression is also acontext of a chain of different factors, so that the

crucial reason for suicide, and it is noted that depres-factors leading to the awareness of death are intri-sion is on the rise, particularly among junior and se-

cately intertwined, and focusing only on the finalnior high school girls .

triggers may obscure the actions that are really need-

6

Professor Fumiharu Yamagata of Kansai Uni-

ed10.

− 13 −

長崎県立大学国際交流研究センター『東アジア評論』
第 16 号（2024.3）

As a result, the proportion of primary and ju-

be identified is particularly high.

nior high school students for whom the cause cannot
Table 1: Situation of students who committed suicide (2022)
PrimaryschoolJuniorhigh school

Senior highschool

Total

Family discord

2

20

21

43

Worries about future career

0

18

19

37

Reprimand from parents, etc.

1

22

11

34

Friendships (excluding bullying)

1

14

17

32

Mental disorder

2

6

18

26

Poor academic performance

0

19

3

22

Weariness with life

0

6

8

14

Pessimism due to infirmity, etc.

0

5

7

12

Problems in romantic relationships

0

3

6

9

Bullying Issues

1

4

0

5

Corporal punishment and inappropriate instruction byteachers and staff
Concerns in relationships with faculty and staff(excluding corporal punishment and inappropriate
instruction)

1

0

1

2

0

0

1

1

Unknown

14

72

169

255

Other

1

7

15

23

Source: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, "Results of the Survey on Student GuidanceIssues such as Problematic Behavior and Truancy of Students in 2022"

Furthermore, the viewpoint of witnesses alsochanged depending on their positions. In a survey

high schools (53.4% in 2020). The percentage washigh at all levels11.

conducted by the Ministry of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), in which

If the causes of suicide are not clearly identi-

multiple answers were given for any relevant infor-

fied, effective suicide prevention measures cannot

mation from the persons concerned, even for reasonsbe formulated. The Ministry of Education, Culture,other than those known to the police as facts, it was

Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) indicatedfound that 60.9% (71.4% in 2020) of suicides in pri-in its guidelines that to understand the backgroundmary schools were stated as, "reasons unknown" (nowhen a child commits suicide, a basic investigation

change from normal behavior and no indication ofshould be conducted promptly and then moved to abeing particularly troubled), and 36.7% in junior"detailed investigation" if requested by the familyhigh schools (48.5% in 2020) and 57.1% in seniorand so on. However, in October 2023, the results of− 14 −

Child Suicides in the COVID-19 Pandemic : The Need to Address Mental Healtha survey on the operation of the system were re-causes of child suicide is needed, Dr Yoshinori Cho,leased, and it was found that out of a total of 411

President of the Japanese Association for Suicideprimary, junior high and senior high school students

Prevention, has pointed out that the reasons for the

who committed suicide in 2022, only 19 cases, 5%

increase in youth suicide are the 'worsening employ-of the total, were investigated in detail by lawyers

ment situation', an increase in 'family problems' andand experts. It was also found that in 40% of the cas-'reduced human interaction', and that 'the impact ofes, the system was not explained to the families,

the COVID-19 pandemic is significant'.

such as how to request an investigation .

In fact, there are many early indications of the12

In addition, as of 2023, the Administration for

impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children'sChildren and Families will be responsible for mea-

psyches. Staying at home and social distance havesures against child suicide, and in its "Urgent Plan

negative psychological effects, including PTSD-likefor Strengthening Measures against Child Suicide",

symptoms, confusion and anger13. Research has also

the Administration for Children and Families also

shown that, as an indirect effect of the COVID-19

states that it will "consolidate suicide statistics andpandemic, it may have increased suicides due to an

related data held by police and fire departments,

increase in anxiety and stress14.

schools, school boards and local authorities, andChildren's mental health in particular has been

conduct multi-faceted surveys and research to con-affected in a variety of ways as a result of the many

duct multi-faceted analysis". Satomi Takahashi, whoand varied changes in their daily lives, including

has been active in child suicide prevention for many

major changes in their school and home environ-years, points out that collecting and analyzing data

ments. For example, the social distancing and schoolfrom different departments in the same way as in theclosures due to the COVID-19 measures increased

past would not identify the real causes of child sui-depression, anxiety and isolation, even in healthycide, thus will not allow effective suicide prevention

children, and these symptoms were correlated withmeasures to be developed. Takahashi suggests thatthe length of isolation due to social distancing. Ininterviews to identify the causes should be conduct-

addition, the symptoms persisted not only during but

ed in a safe and secure environment for bereaved

also after social distancing. It is found that school

families, with an ethical framework created by psy-

closure, reduced physical activity, irregular sleep

chiatrists, bereavement counsellors and other ex-

and online addiction due to COVID-19 caused de-perts familiar with the psychology of bereaved fami-pression, numbness, laziness, learning difficulties

lies.

and self-harm in children, while abuse and violencein the family increased. Furthermore, there is no
doubt that the limited communication caused by the

3.Social Factors Leading to an Increase in

COVID-19 pandemic makes it even more difficult toChild Suicide

see calls for help from children, which are difficult

1) Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

to identify in the first place, making early detection

Although further detailed research into theof suicide risk even more difficult15.

− 15 −

長崎県立大学国際交流研究センター『東アジア評論』
第 16 号（2024.3）

The National Institute of Child Health and Development conducted a total of seven online surveys

by 'seem to be unable to get good advice' and 'didn’t
seem to be taken seriously'18.

between April 2020 and December 2021 to determine the current state of life and health of children

2) Unwanted lonelinessand parents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the increase in child suicides due to the

The results showed that more than 70% of all chil-

COVID-19 pandemic, "the current social situation isdren had one or more stress reactions, such as 'easilysuch that when a social problem arises, the unwant-

irritated' or 'unable to concentrate', a figure that has

ed loneliness of having no one to rely on aggravates

remained high since the first survey16. In addition,

the social problem or complicates its structure, re-the fourth survey, conducted between 17 November

sulting in suicide and creating a new social prob-

and 27 December 2020, found that 15% of 4 to 6thlem," was the analysis of Koki Ozora, President ofyear primary school students, 24% of junior highthe non-profit organization that provides a 24-hourschool students and 30% of senior high school stu-

helpline for young people “Anata no Ibasho” (Thedents exhibited moderate or higher depressive symp-

place where you fit in)19.

th

toms according to the Patient Health Questionnaire

In its revised draft of the “Outline for the Pro-

Adolescents (PHQ-A) scale. Moreover, regarding

motion of Support for the Development of Children

self-injury, 17% of primary and junior high school

and Young People”, the Japanese government has

students said they had hurt themselves in the week

clearly stated its policy to strengthen its response to

before the survey and 24% of primary and junior

the problems of loneliness and isolation in light ofhigh school students said they wanted to hurt them-

the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. It also identi-

selves or die17.

fied the rising number of suicides as a 'top priority

Furthermore, according to the fifth survey, con-issue'. "Many children and young people are experi-

ducted between 19 February and 31 March 2021,

encing heightened anxiety and the problem of 'un-more than 70% of the 501 children from primarywanted loneliness' is becoming more apparent"20.

school to senior high school (equivalent) reported

In English the word loneliness can be some-

some kind of stress, such as not wanting to think

what ambiguous, referring to both self-imposed

about corona (42%), getting easily irritated (37%),

loneliness when seeking solitude, but also to un-

having difficulty concentrating recently (32%).

wanted social or physical isolation. In Japan, as in-

In the 7 survey report, conducted between 8terest in loneliness and isolation issues has in-and 31 December 2021, 16% of the 487 children be-

creased, particularly during periods of isolation

tween the ages of primary school and senior highduring COVID-19, a new term has been coined, un-school (equivalent) had moderate or higher symp-

wanted loneliness, to clarify this ambiguity.

thtoms of depression (about one in six). Among them,

Since the late 1970s, loneliness has been de-

94% of the children felt they needed help, but 40%

fined, loneliness scales developed and researched,

did not seek help. The most common reason given

and since 2000, in addition to loneliness issues, so-

was 'Unable to express feelings in words', followed

cial isolation has become a growing concern, with− 16 −

Child Suicides in the COVID-19 Pandemic : The Need to Address Mental Healthresearch continuing mainly in developed countries.

loneliness, and depression leading to suicidal ide-

Loneliness is a state of mind where one feels

ation, and found that 15% of men and 16% of wom-disconnected from other people, either emotionally,en had suicidal thoughts, respectively. Of these, 23%

socially or physically, while unwanted loneliness re-of men and 20% of women had suicidal thoughts forfers to the state of not being able to rely on others or

the first time during the pandemic period. The study

not being able to talk to others even when you wantalso found that loneliness was a larger contributor toto. Social isolation refers to a state in which there issuicidal ideation than economic hardship or social

no one to ask for help with everyday problems, noisolation. The finding that loneliness has a signifi-

one to talk to about worries, no one to ask for help incant impact on suicidal ideation, either directly or

emergencies such as illness, and no one who under-

indirectly through depression, suggests that psycho-

stands one's problems, i.e., a state in which there are

logical support for people who are lonely is effective

no 'trusted others' .

not only in combating isolation and loneliness, but

21

The WHO Guide to Suicide Prevention identi-

also in combating suicide.

fies 'social isolation' as one of the socio-demograph-

It seems that some of the circumstances behind

ic factors associated with suicide and 'loneliness' as

loneliness among young people are unique to Japan.

one of the emotions of people at high risk of suicide.

An international survey of loneliness and social iso-

It is known that there are various social factors be-lation in the United States, the United Kingdom, andhind suicide, such as overwork, deprivation, fatigue

Japan shows that higher shares in Japan than in thedue to childcare and caring, bullying, loneliness, andU.S. or U.K. say their loneliness has had a negative

isolation, as well as mental health problems. Some

impact on their job and their mental health. It foundstudies have shown that people who are isolated arethat 44% of people in Japan believe that lonely peo-

at higher risk of suicide than those who are not iso-ple mostly have themselves to blame, which is ex-

22

lated .

tremely high compared with 23% in the US and 11%

During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental

in the UK23. The survey also found that the frequen-

health deteriorated worldwide, and in Japan in 2020,

cy of talking to family and friends was lower in Ja-

as the infection began to spread, suicides began to

pan than in the US and UK. President Ohzora sug-increase for the first time in 11 years and has showngested that “in Japan, even loneliness is said to be

no signs of decreasing to date. The factors include

one's own responsibility, so it can be difficult to seek

fear of infection and economic problems such as un-

advice and it is easy to become trapped”. The Asso-employment, as well as worsening social isolationciate Professor Ueda of Waseda University also

and loneliness due to quarantine and enforcement ofpointed out that “Japanese society has low relationalsocial distance. Based on the results of a nationwide

fluidity, or freedom of choice in interpersonal rela-questionnaire survey of 26,000 people collected intionships. Many people have no place to stay otherthe Social and Health Disparities Assessment Study

than school or nowhere to go other than school oron COVID-19 (JACSIS Study), the University of

their workplace. And if they stumble in making

Tsukuba analyzed the impact of social isolation,

friends there, they immediately become isolated. Ja-− 17 −

長崎県立大学国際交流研究センター『東アジア評論』
第 16 号（2024.3）

pan has become a society that makes it easy to iso-they experience. According to a UNICEF survey, thelate oneself and also makes it difficult to consult

proportion of Japanese children who feel lonely andwith others.” .

who feel they have no place to belong, is 29.8% and24

While loneliness is increasing due to the

18.1% respectively, significantly higher than in oth-

COVID-19 pandemic, it has long been pointed out

er countries26. Another report on the well-being ofthat many children are feeling lonely in a society inchildren in developed countries published in 2020

which individuals are isolated and have weak per-also points out that Japan has a high proportion of

sonal links between each other. It is a result of theadults who are forced to work long hours, making it

weakening of traditional human ties based on landdifficult to maintain a balance between home andand blood amid the breakdown of hierarchy due towork, and children who have a lower sense of be-increased competition and the development of thelonging to their schools also have a lower satisfac-

internet society . One of the most striking features

tion with their lives27.

25

of Japanese children is the high rate of loneliness

Table 2: A League Table of child well-being outcomes (out of 38 countries)
overall ranking

country

mental well-being

physical healthskills7

France

7

18

5

14

Germany

16

10

21

19

Italy

9

31

15

20

Japan

37

1

27

21

Korea

34

13

11

27

United Kingdom

29

19

26

30

Canada

31

30

18

36

America

32

38

32

Source: UNICEF, Report Card 16, Worlds of Influence: Understanding What Shapes Child Well-being In Rich Countries− 18 −

Child Suicides in the COVID-19 Pandemic : The Need to Address Mental Health

Furthermore, according to the National Survey

seminating and raising awareness of correct knowl-on the Current Situation of Loneliness and Isolationedge on suicide prevention, eliminating the causes

conducted in 2022 by the Cabinet Secretariat's Of-of suicide and improving the physical environment

fice in charge of measures against loneliness and iso-for suicide prevention at the individual, organiza-

lation, 5.2% of respondents aged 16 to 19, 7.1% oftional and societal levels; secondary prevention is tothose aged 20 to 29 and 7.2% of respondents aged

detect people who have thoughts of dying or are de-28

30 to 39 reported feeling lonely, "often or always" .

pressed and to intervene and respond to them to help

In addition, 1.9% of 16 to 19 year olds, 5.8% of 20

them avoid the crisis (counselling system for suicid-

to 29 year olds, and 6.2% of 30 to 39 year olds said

al people); and tertiary prevention is to detect people

they communicated with family and friends 'less

who have lost someone to suicide and to intervene

than once or twice a week' and were 'likely to be iso-and respond to them to help them avoid the crisis

lated'. In addition, 4.3% of 16 to 19 year olds, 8.3%

(suicide prevention system). Tertiary prevention in-of 20 to 29 year olds, and 9.2% of 30 to 39 year olds

cludes psychological care for those who have lost awere "very likely to be isolated", meaning that they

loved one to suicide, the prevention of repeated sui-"do not receive support from government, voluntarycide attempts and the prevention of a suicide chain.

or other private organizations and have no one to

Education to help prevent suicide plays an ex-

talk to when they feel anxious or worried". The data

tremely important role. In fact, it has been shown toalso showed that 9.2% of young people aged 30 tobe effective in that education about thinking about

39 were "likely to be isolated" .

life and death helps people understand the impor-29

An online survey of nearly 3,000 people con-tance of family, life, and living in the present. How-

ducted in March 2022 also showed that younger

ever, "education on how to give SOS," which is thepeople are also more likely to feel lonely. The pro-primary prevention of child suicide, has been pro-portion of people feeling lonely is 23.7% for thosevided since the 2016 revision of the Basic Law on

aged 60 and over, but is higher in younger people,

Suicide Prevention, but it is basically planned andwith 41.6% of those in their 30s feeling lonely andimplemented by each local board of education, and42.7% of those in their 20s feeling lonely. Mental

no curriculum or textbooks have been provided byhealth was also worse among the young than among

the government, and no lecturers have been dis-the elderly. The proportion of those considered to bepatched. Schools are still groping in the dark as to'moderately to severely depressed' varied widely,which grade level it should be taught at, and whatfrom 7.5% of older people to 28.2% of younger peo-

the course content should be, to provide suicide pre-ple, showing a large gap between the two groups.

vention education. The government has not provided
any concrete measures, such as who should tell what3) Suicide prevention Education That does not

to whom and how. Even in 2020, there are still few

Progressschools that can provide education on how to raise

Suicide prevention is considered in three stag-

an SOS.

es: Primary prevention is to prevent suicide by dis− 19 −Secondary and tertiary prevention is also criti-

長崎県立大学国際交流研究センター『東アジア評論』
第 16 号（2024.3）

cized for its weak suicide prevention measures,

Conclusion.

which are mostly left to the private sector and have
The increasing number of child suicides is tru-

relied on volunteers since the Showa period (19261989). In May 2020, the Ministry of Education is-ly a social problem.

sued guidelines to prefectural boards of education to

Looking at the current situation of child sui-promote support for the school counsellor project,cide, there are many cases in which there are nowhich has been in place since 1995. However, thewarning signs of suicide. However, in most cases,

job of school counsellor varies from school tosuicide does not occur suddenly, but is believed toschool, and counsellors often have limited time

be the result of a certain process. When various

available, which makes it difficult to spend time

stresses accumulate and support is lacking, it be-with each child, so there are limits to the effective-

comes difficult to get out of the situation on one's

ness of this support. Investigation also shows that

own, leading to depression and eventually suicide.

children do not make appropriate use of the opportu-

In Japan, unfortunately, the suicide crisis is not anities to talk to school counsellors and social work-random event. Sadly, many children in Japan who

ers because they prefer to speak to their friends, who

experience a suicidal crisis do not seek professional

do not know about the available support systems or

help, but instead tend to seek help from their friends.

who to turn to for more expert help . And there is

Non-professional peers around a person who is con-also a tendency to blame victims in Japan.

templating suicide should be able to recognize such

30

Furthermore, there are comments from thea crisis and provide appropriate help, but due to thefield that 'as a result of allowing diverse actors tolack of progress in suicide prevention education,

participate in the policy process through meeting

they are often unable to provide appropriate input,

and other forums, these forums have become moreleading to suicide in many cases.

of a formality and policies are decide by specific ac-

Therefore, it can be said that suicide preven-tors,’ and 'now we have a system where voices aretion education plays a very important role in pre-unified and something without any real sense of re-venting child suicide. Teachers are expected to pro-31

ality comes down from above and tells us to 'do it'.'

mote awareness of children's mental crises and

Ms. Takahashi also emphasizes the importancehelp-seeking attitudes, while children are expectedof conducting education on "how to give SOS" andto receive suicide prevention education that focuses"how to receive SOS lecture" as a set, saying thaton how to give and receive SOS, and to promote sui-even if SOS is given, it will not lead to suicide pre-cide prevention education in cooperation with medi-

vention if there is no one competent to receive thecal and psychological specialists.

SOS.

In Japan, it is also considered necessary to takeseriously the decline of children's sense of belonging
and self-esteem in groups, and to create a diverse
support system based on a proper understanding ofchildren's mental health and individuality. In the− 20 −

Child Suicides in the COVID-19 Pandemic : The Need to Address Mental Healthfield of education, there is a need to break the practice of not recognizing children due to lack of precedent and ensure inclusive education. We believe thatcreating a tolerant environment that respects the individuality of each child is an extremely importantelement in the fight against child suicide.
It is also important to collect, consolidate andanalyze information about children and to establish
a suicide prevention system in cooperation withschools and local communities. In the unlikely eventof a child's suicide, it is necessary to conduct a thorough investigation of the actual circumstances of thechild's suicide, such as a psychological autopsy, inwhich an ethical framework is established for eachindividual case and experts carefully examine thesituation.
The risk of suicide increases because the disincentives to "live" outweigh the promoting factors.
Mr. Yasuyuki Shimizu, representative of the NPO
Suicide Prevention Support Center Lifelink, whichworks on suicide issues analyzed that those suicidal
persons are "over-adapting" because they feel they
have to worry about "how they will be judged byothers", and as they continue to do so, they fall into aloop where they lose sight of what they are for andwho they really are32.
Given this situation, it should be obvious thatan education that frees young people from peer pressure, allows them to express and assert themselves,develops their strengths, and tolerates diversity is ofparamount importance in modern society in Japan.

− 21 −

Annotation
1 UNICEF “The State of the World’s Children 2021, On
My Mind: Promoting, protecting and caring for children’s mental health”, https://www.unicef.org/reports/
state-worlds-children-2021 Accessed Mar. 25th, 2023.
2 The Japanese National Police Agency, "Suicide in 2022"
https://www.npa.go.jp/safetylife/seianki/jisatsu/R05/
R4jisatsunojoukyou.pdf Accessed May 30, 2023
3 Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 2023 White Paper on Suicide Prevention https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/
seisakunitsuite/bunya/hukushi_kaigo/seikatsuhogo/jisatsu/jisatsuhakusyo2023.html Accessed May 30, 2023
4 Institute for Peace Policies, "Mental Health of Young
Adults Deteriorated by Covid-19 pandemic" https://ippjapan.org/archives/6917 Accessed May 2, 2023.
5 White Paper on Suicide Prevention in 2023, op.cit.
6 Asahi Shimbun, April 2, 2023, "Record number of suicides among elementary, junior high, and high school
students; pediatricians and others concerned about academic and career. "7 The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 14, 2023, "Suicides
among elementary, junior high and high school students
exceed 500, the highest number ever...Is the Corona disaster worsening worries?"
8 Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, "White Paper on
Suicide Prevention," https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/hukushi_kaigo/seikatsuhogo/jisatsu/
jisatsuhakusyo.html Accessed June 1, 2023
9 Web Medical News, "Why Teenage Suicide Hasn't Decreased - Interview with Dr. Toshihiko Matsumoto,"h t t p s : / / w w w. j m e d j . c o . j p / j o u r n a l / p a p e r / d e t a i l .
php?id=12948 Accessed May 10, 20223.
10 Authorized NPO 3Keys "Are Japanese Children Happy?
-The Current Situation of 17 Suicides by Children and
32 Other Visible Facts" https://3keys.jp/issue/e01/ Accessed July 15, 2023
11 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology, "Results of the Survey on Student GuidanceIssues such as Problematic Behavior and Truancy ofStudents in 2022" https://www.mext.go.jp/content/202310
04-mxt_jidou01-100002753_1.pdf Accessed October 23,
2023
12 NHK News, October 30, 2023, "40% of Child Suicides
No Explanation of Detailed Investigation System; Bereaved Families Write Request to State for Improvements."
13 Brooks SK et al (2020). The Psychological Impact of
Quarantine and How to Reduce it: Rapid Review of theevidence. The Lancet, 395(10227): 912-920
14 Horita N and Moriguchi S (2022), Trends in Suicide inJapan Following the 2019 Coronavirus Pandemic, JA-長崎県立大学国際交流研究センター『東アジア評論』
第 16 号（2024.3）

MA Network Open. 5(3).

dex.html Accessed September 30, 2023

15 Hirokazu Tachikawa (2022) "Basic Knowledge of Suicide in Children", Psychogeography, Vol.124, No.5, 308314
16 Yusa Yamaguchi, "Children's Mentality of Covid-19
pandemic - From Corona ×Children Questionnaire andNational Survey," Niigata City Medical Association,
https://www.niigatashi-ishikai.or.jp/newsletter/academic/202206275741.html Accessed May 2, 2023.
17 Ibid.
18 Ibid.
19 Mainichi Shimbun, April 22, 2021, "Why University
Students Appealed to Government to Fight 'Unwanted
Loneliness'"
20 The Yomiuri Shimbun, February 24, 2021 "Unwanted
loneliness of young people with growing anxiety"...Record number of suicides, corona disaster, government
strengthening measures.
21 Kaoru Kawai, "'Unwanted loneliness' that struck Muneo's eldest daughter and a sense of mission for countermeasures," Nikkei Business e-edition, https://business.
nikkei.com/atcl/seminar/19/00118/00118/ Accessed May
2, 2023.
22 "Loneliness and Isolation in Japan: Current Situation andCountermeasures" National Diet Library, Research andLegislative Review Bureau, Reference 866, 2023.2
https://dl.ndl.go.jp/view/prepareDownload?itemId=info:ndljp/pid/12601833 Accessed May 30, 2023
23 "Loneliness and social isolation in the United States, theUnited Kingdom, and Japan: An international survey"
Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, August 2018,https://files.kff.org/attachment/Report-Loneliness-andSocial-Isolation-in-the-United-States-the-United-Kingdom-and-Japan-An-International-Survey Accessed Sep.
23, 2023
24 Mainichi Shimbun Evening Newspaper, March 1, 2022,"Be Well Tomorrow: Young People's Hearts Are in aState of Emergency."
25 Kumi Abiru, "To Overcome the 'Unconnected Society':
Weaving Connections for Children and Youth," Japan
Association for the Protection of Children, "White Paper
on Children 2011," Kusadobunka, 2011.
26 UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre “Child Poverty in
Perspective: An Overview of Child Well-being in RichCountries”, https://www.unicef.or.jp/library/pres_bn200
7/pdf/rc7_aw3.pdf Accessed September 28, 2023
27 UNICEF report, Report Card 16 "Worlds of Influence:
Understanding What Shapes Child Well-being In RichCountries" https://www.unicef.or.jp/library/pdf/labo_rc1
6_en.pdf Accessed September 28, 2023
28 National Survey on Isolation and Loneliness (2022),
Cabinet Secretariat. https://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisaku/kodoku_koritsu_taisaku/zittai_tyosa/r4_zenkoku_tyosa/in-

29 Ibid.
30 Toshihiko Matsumoto (ed.), "Can't Say 'Help': What
Supporters Can Do for People Who Don't Raise an
SOS,", Nihon Hyoronsha, 2019.
31 Ibid.
32 The Nippon Foundation Journal Increasing Suicide
among Women, Children and Youth. Lifelink's Shimizu
explains, "Suicide is not an individual problem, but a social problem." https://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/
journal/2021/55066 Accessed Sep. 15, 2023

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labo_rc16_en.pdf− 23 −