A new UNICEF study ranks Japan low in children’s mental health despite high marks in physical health and academics.
Children in Japan face serious mental health challenges, placing the country 32nd out of 43 wealthy and emerging nations, according to a UNICEF report released Wednesday. The ranking reflects high suicide rates and other mental health concerns.
Japan improved slightly from 37th place in 2020 but saw its youth suicide rate rise to the fourth highest among the surveyed rich countries, worsening from 12th place.
On the other hand, Japan ranked first in physical health, maintaining its top position from the previous report.
The UNICEF report evaluated countries from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Union across mental well-being, physical health, and academic and social skills.
Japan scored 12th in academic and social skills, a strong rise from 27th, and ranked 14th overall, up from 20th. The Netherlands led the overall ranking, which excluded the United States and six countries lacking sufficient mental health data.
Aya Abe, a poverty expert and professor at Tokyo Metropolitan University, said there is little recognition of children’s mental health issues in Japan. She added that government efforts have been insufficient.
Regarding physical health, Abe noted that while obesity rates are low, the issue of underweight children remains a concern.
The report also highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt children’s academic progress and both their mental and physical health across developed countries.
UNICEF called on all countries to take action to protect children’s well-being amid growing threats from epidemics, conflicts, and climate change in today’s world.
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