Tokyo: The Japanese government is set to strengthen efforts to identify and support children experiencing loneliness and social isolation after the number of suicides among school-aged students reached a record high last year.
According to a draft revision of the government’s priority plan to tackle loneliness and social isolation, obtained by The Yomiuri Shimbun, authorities are seeking to intensify early intervention measures to prevent child suicides and improve mental health support.
“We need to have a greater sense of urgency than ever before,” the draft states, calling for stronger efforts to assess the circumstances of children who are becoming increasingly isolated.
Government data showed that 538 elementary, junior high and high school students died by suicide in 2025, the highest figure on record and nine more than the previous year.
The revised plan aims to “identify children and young people at high risk of suicide before the crisis deepens and ensure they receive support,” reflecting growing concern over the mental well-being of Japan’s youth.
As part of the new measures, the government plans to expand its annual nationwide survey on loneliness and social isolation, which currently targets people aged 16 and older, to include elementary and junior high school students. Officials believe the expanded survey will help detect warning signs earlier and allow schools and local authorities to provide timely support.
The draft also addresses the increasing role of generative artificial intelligence in young people’s lives. It notes that AI has become “deeply embedded in the daily lives of the public, including children,” and is increasingly being used as a first point of contact when seeking advice for personal problems.
In response, the government plans to examine how to establish a comprehensive support system that takes into account the growing use of AI while closely monitoring developments in related discussions. A key challenge will be ensuring that children who seek help through AI platforms are effectively guided to appropriate professional support services when needed.
Beyond expanding surveys, authorities also intend to strengthen cooperation between schools, families and child welfare agencies to identify children showing signs of prolonged absenteeism, bullying, emotional distress or social withdrawal before their situations worsen.
Mental health experts have welcomed the initiative, saying early intervention and stronger community support are essential to reversing the rising number of student suicides. They also stress the importance of increasing access to school counselors, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and ensuring children have trusted adults they can turn to.
The priority plan was first formulated in 2024 under Japan’s Law on the Advancement of Measures to Address Loneliness and Isolation and is expected to be officially revised in the coming weeks as the government intensifies efforts to protect vulnerable children.
Source & Courtesy: The Yomiuri Shimbun