Synopsis
In 2024, suicides among school-age children in Japan reached a historic peak of 527, surpassing the previous record. High school students were most affected, with a notable rise among female students. The Ministry of Health committed to addressing this alarming trend.Key Takeaways
- Record suicides among school-age children in Japan.
- High school students account for 70% of cases.
- Significant increase in suicides among female students.
- Academic struggles and mental health issues are leading causes.
- Government pledges to investigate and act.
Tokyo, Jan 29 (NationPress) The number of suicides among school-age children in Japan reached a staggering high of 527 in 2024, eclipsing the former record of 514 set in 2022, based on preliminary statistics released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
High school students represented nearly 70 percent of these cases, with 349 fatalities, followed by 163 middle school students and 15 elementary school students.
A significant rise was noted among female middle and high school students, with 99 middle school girls ending their lives, which marks an increase of 19 from the prior year, and 183 high school girls, up by 17.
The primary reasons attributed to suicides among individuals under 19 years of age encompassed academic pressures and future uncertainties (349 cases), mental health challenges like depression (284 cases), and familial issues such as parent conflicts (148 cases).
The ministry recognized the unprecedented student suicide statistics as a serious issue and committed to investigating the underlying causes while collaborating with relevant organizations to implement countermeasures, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
In 2024, Japan's total suicides amounted to 20,268, a decrease of 1,569 compared to the previous year, marking the second lowest since records began in 1978.
Of the total suicides, 13,763 were men and 6,505 were women, according to the data.
A government report from last year indicated that the number of suicides among elementary, junior high, and high school students in Japan remained alarmingly elevated in 2023 as well.
The count of suicides among elementary to high school students in Japan stood at 513 in 2023, compared to the record high of 514 from the year before, according to the country's 2024 Suicide Prevention White Paper.
The data breakdown revealed 347 high school students, 153 junior high students, and 13 elementary students died by suicide.
The report noted that common factors contributing to suicides among elementary students included disciplinary actions from family. Junior high and high school boys cited school-related challenges such as academic difficulties and career anxieties as they progressed through grades. Girls in these age groups were more inclined to mention friendship conflicts and other relationship challenges.
Japan's total suicide count in 2023 reached 21,837, showing a decrease of 44 from the preceding year. The suicide rate, indicating deaths per 100,000 individuals, remained stable at 17.6.
Since 2020, suicide rates have surged across most age demographics in Japan. The highest rates were observed among the unemployed, although the working population also experienced an uptick, according to the data.
