Child suicides in Japan hit record high in 2024

This is higher than the 2023 record at 514, preliminary government data showed Wednesday, according to Kyodo. (Pexels Photo)

By AZERTAC, Philippine News Agency

BAKU –Japan reported 527 children attending elementary, junior high and senior high schools in died by suicide last year.

This is higher than the 2023 record at 514, preliminary government data showed Wednesday, according to Kyodo.

Senior high school students accounted for 349, followed by junior high school students at 163, and elementary school students at 15, according to the health ministry data.

By gender, 239 were male and 288 were female.

A Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare official described the situation as “serious,” emphasizing the need for further analysis.

Despite the rise in child suicides, Japan’s overall suicide rate fell to 20,268 cases—the second-lowest since records began in 1978.

Male suicides dropped to 13,763, while female suicides fell to 6,505.

Health issues were the leading cause, followed by financial struggles and family problems.

School-related issues contributed to 578 cases, with 42 linked to social media conflicts.