Many regions see summer vacation ending today or the new semester already starting. At this time of year, public attention often focuses on child suicide. You have likely seen phrases in news reports or posts like "child suicides increase after summer break" or "be careful on September 1st."
September 1st is indeed an important day. There is no doubt that children are being saved thanks to those raising their voices for that day.
However, there is something I still want to write today: it is not the case that "everything will be fine as long as we get past this period."
To be honest, I am writing this article knowing it will be read within the context of the post-summer break period. I am writing it now because I don't want this attention to end with this season alone.
It is a bit long, but I would be happy if you could stay with me.
Child Suicides are High in September, But Not Only September
In 2025, the month with the highest number of suicides among elementary, middle, and high school students was September (62 people).
However, looking at the breakdown, January had 51, October had 52, and November had 50. They are almost identical. Furthermore, in 2023, the highest month was not September, but October.
"Be careful after summer break" is not wrong. However, we adults need to know that it doesn't mean we can "breathe a sigh of relief because the high-risk period has passed."
Adult Suicides Have Decreased, But Child Suicides Continue to Rise
In 2025, the number of suicides among elementary, middle, and high school students reached 538, marking a record high for the second consecutive year since statistics began in 1980.
Meanwhile, the total number of suicides was 19,188, falling below 20,000 for the first time and reaching a record low. Do you understand what this number means? While adult suicides continue to decrease, only child suicides are "not decreasing and continue to rise." In fact, while suicide numbers decreased in almost all age groups in 2025, they increased only for those aged 19 and under.
(*Figures in this article are based on the National Police Agency and Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "Status of Suicide in 2025")
In this situation, I would like to think with you about "what we adults can do."
Children Want to Send an SOS but Can't
The government teaches children "how to send an SOS," but let me speak from the reality of the field. Children want to send an SOS but find themselves unable to. When they try to reach out, many are paralyzed by conflicts like "Will I be a burden?" "Will I get in trouble?" or "Will I be abandoned?"
That is why adults need to be "ready to receive."
If anyone reading this post wishes to protect the future of children, please look at them with a positive gaze throughout the year, not just now. When you think "something is different," please reach out gently.
And if a child does send an SOS, please accept it.
"I don't know how to handle it." "What if I ask the wrong thing and accidentally encourage suicide?"
You might feel anxious. If so, please refer to the "TALK Principles."
A Guide for Emergencies: The TALK Principles
TALK Principles: Tell, Ask, Listen, Keep safe
*Basic principles introduced by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in "Suicide Prevention for Children that Teachers Should Know."
Tell: Convey that you are worried in words
Just thinking it in your heart won't get the message across. Use direct words to convey your concern, such as "You don't seem to be sleeping well lately, are you okay?" or "You seem a bit down, and I'm worried about you." A casual "I'm worried about you" leaves a sense of security in a child's heart that they are someone who is cared for.
Ask: Ask frankly about feelings of "wanting to die"
This is where adults are most afraid. It's natural to worry that "asking about wanting to die might make them more conscious of suicide."
But rest assured. Research has shown that "asking about suicidal feelings does not increase the risk of suicide" (Dazzi et al., 2014). Rather, the sense of security that "someone acknowledged and listened to my feelings (of wanting to die)" eases the child's sense of isolation.
"When do you feel like you want to die?" "How strong is that feeling?"
Asking frankly like this is not a taboo. It is a sincere response that does not run away from the child's feelings.
Listen: Listen to their feelings of despair
Listen to the child's story to the end without interrupting. What I don't want you to do here is use logical arguments like "You must value life" or irresponsible persuasion like "Good things will happen if you live." The child knows this better than anyone. They know it, but they are in so much pain that they can't value themselves, which is why they say they "want to die."
What is needed is an attitude of accepting their despair as it is, without evaluation or judgment, saying "It must have been so painful for you." And if you have the capacity, try asking, "How have you managed to live until now in such a painful situation?" You might discover their "protective factors (support for living)" like "because there was a game," "because I had a favorite idol," or "because I decided not to die until I talked to you like this."
Keep safe: Ensure safety
If the environment or situation the child is in is dangerous, remove them from it immediately. If you cannot ensure the child's safety alone, do not hesitate to ask someone for help. "Asking for help to save a child" is nothing to be ashamed of.
[Caution] Words I Want You to Never Say
If a child finds the courage to confess that they "want to die," there is a phrase you must never say:
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
This may sound like concern, but it pierces the child as a shift of responsibility, implying "It's your fault for not telling me." I believe these words come from a place of worry and care. However, we adults must not forget that the moment a child says "I want to die" is the earliest possible timing they could have said it. If they are indirectly rejected with "If only you told me sooner" after gathering the courage to speak, they may regret it and seal off their next SOS.
I will say it again: very few children can say "I want to die." Rather, I believe we adults need to look at children with a positive gaze based on the premise that "there are no children who can say they want to die."
They chose you to convey words that are so heavy and require so much courage to speak. That is why I want you to first praise that courage with all your might and accept it by saying, "Thank you for telling me."
Don't deny them by saying "Don't say you want to die!", don't divert the topic with "Let's go eat a delicious parfait!", and don't brush it off with "You'll forget bad things if you sleep!" Just accept it. Continue to show through your attitude the message that "Life is important, but you are more important than that."
Finally: Your One Word Can Save a Child
The number of suicides among elementary, middle, and high school students has remained high at around 500 since the sharp increase in 2020. It was 514 in 2022, 513 in 2023, 529 in 2024, and 538 in 2025, gradually hitting new record highs. I wrote this long post thinking about what I could do in this painful situation.
If people say, "What is a nurse doing voicing opinions so publicly?" then so be it. As a supporter working with children in the field, I will continue to post without being discouraged to protect their future.
One last request. Everyone, if you see a child and think "something is different," please reach out and say you are worried, not just during this post-summer break period. That one word of yours might save a child.
If you are reading this and struggling, please don't hold it in alone and try talking to someone.
[Consultation for children/youth]
- Childline (for those up to 18): 0120-99-7777
- 24-hour Child SOS Dial: 0120-0-78310
[Consultation for adults]
- #Inochi SOS: 0120-061-338
- Inochi no Denwa: 0120-783-556
[Sources/References]
- National Police Agency/MHLW "Status of Suicide in 2025"
- Dazzi et al. (2014) Psychological Medicine
- MEXT "Suicide Prevention for Children that Teachers Should Know" (2009)
*Figures are as of August 2026. This content is also posted on note.
