Suicides by Japanese youth have reached a 30-year-high, the education ministry said on Monday, even as overall suicide numbers have steadily declined over the past 15 years.
A total of 250 children in elementary school, middle school and high school killed themselves in the fiscal year through March, up from 245 the previous year, according to a ministry survey. That was the highest since 1986, when 268 students took their own lives.
"The number of suicides of students have stayed high, and that is an alarming issue which should be tackled," said ministry official Noriaki Kitazaki.
It is difficult to determine the factors behind the increase, he said.
Out of the 250 cases, 33 children were reported to have had concerns about their future, 31 had family problems, 10 were bullied, while 140 were unknown, the survey showed.
High school students in Japan typically graduate at age 18.
Across all age groups, the number of suicides in Japan has fallen to 21,321 in 2017 from a peak of 34,427 in 2003, according to the National Police Agency.
hkrugbyfan on November 5th, 2018 at 16:44 UTC »
In general, the neighboring country of Japan, South Korea has a much more serious suicidal problem among citizens. A particular bridge in Seoul is considered as a "hot spot" for them to end their lives. The authority had implement various measures such as setting up LED rail with encouraging messages and phone booths for consultation.
Below is an example:
https://www.mumbrella.asia/content/uploads/2013/05/Picture-63.png
West_Bad on November 5th, 2018 at 15:24 UTC »
What I assume he means is, it’s difficult to determine if the cause is the systemic bullying, bleak outlook for the future, impossible pressure to succeed or the complete lack of mental health awareness towards the young...
The Japanese don’t have a higher propensity toward suicide. They just have an apathetic approach to the whole subject..
If there is one thing that surprises me about the youth suicide rate in Japan it’s that’s it’s so much lower than I’d expect.. It seems that childhood is something to be endured rather than enjoyed..
This is a country where the bullied are expected to quit the school and every few months another sports coach has been found to have been beating his pupils..
non-monk on November 5th, 2018 at 15:07 UTC »
"Across all age groups, the number of suicides in Japan has fallen to 21,321 in 2017 from a peak of 34,427 in 2003, according to the National Police Agency."
Sure it has fallen but how is that percentage wise in the general population ?