Japan goes on student suicide watch as school term starts
Japanese authorities and parents are increasing vigilance for student suicides as the new school term begins, a period historically associated with higher risks for youth. The government has launched an 'intensive efforts' campaign to provide support and identify at-risk children.
Why it matters
It highlights a significant public health and social issue in Japan regarding youth mental health and the pressures of the academic calendar.
Sayoko is watching her 13-year-old son more closely than he probably realises as he settles into his first year of junior high school in Yokohama.
He is keeping up with his classes and is fortunate to be popular because of his sporting prowess. But Sayoko, who did not want to give her full name, remembers having a hard time at the same age, so she is alert to any sign that her son might be unhappy.
“I was not good at sport and did not have a large circle of friends and, of course, there were always the ‘cool girls’ of the class who could be unkind,” she said. “It was not too bad for me and I came through it in the end, but no parent wants their son or daughter to be so desperate that the only choice they have is to kill themselves.”
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in