Internet Suicide in Japan: Implications for Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Abstract

Internet suicide, also known as 'net suicide', is a phrase which has become one of the most notorious terms to the Japanese in recent times. 'Net suicide' refers to suicide pacts that are prearranged between strangers who meet over the internet. Japan has one of the highest suicide rates in the world with 32,325 people killing themselves in 2004. A worrying new trend of net suicide has emerged; as many as 60 people a year have died of this method and the numbers continue to rise. This phenomenon, however, does not limit itself to Japan; for instance in February 2005, the death of two strangers in London, believed to be Britain's first internet suicide, has given cause for concern that this could set a precedent for future such events in Europe and elsewhere. Although there is much research regarding suicide pacts, far less is known about such 'net suicide' pacts. Suicide is a multifaceted problem encompassing cultural, social, religious and economic dimensions, and suicide prevention is therefore best managed within a multidisciplinary framework. By examining this Japanese phenomenon, I conclude that individuals as well as society will have to play a complex, dynamic and interactive role in preventing future tragedies.

Spatial and temporal evolution of the epidemic of charcoal-burning suicide in Japan

“…The guideline enabled the Japanese police to obtain quickly from Internet service providers the information on the persons who planed to commit suicide or sought companions to die with when the police received a report of advance notice of suicide attempt on the website. This regulation may have contributed to a decrease in the charcoal-burning suicides after the mid-/late 2000s [29]. In addition, the media handling of the issue in Japan also might have contributed to the decrease.…”

Evidence on the extent of harms experienced by children as a result of online risks: implications for policy and research

“…As above, these studies distinguish between the role of websites and fora in distributing information that might facilitate suicide, in inciting it and in establishing pacts between suicidal individuals, all of which are portrayed as harmful (Becker, Mayer, Nagenborg, El-Faddagh, & Schmidt., 2004;Biddle, 2008;Naito, 2007). There are also suggestions that the Internet may exacerbate existing risks, illustrated by examples of individuals who commit to killing themselves in online suicide fora and then feel they can't back down (Baume, Cantor, &Rolfe, 1997).…”

Internet Use and Suicidal Behaviors: Internet as a Threat or Opportunity?

“…However, at the same time, this tool offers easy access to information about methods for committing suicide, and it can even increase the risk of suicidal behavior because of ''cyberbullying,'' 12,14,15 group pressure, 16,17 or suicide pacts (a plan between two or more individuals to commit suicide together in an agreed-upon place or time). [18][19][20][21][22][23] Young people often search the Internet for solutions to their emotional or relationship problems, which are focused on their difficulties with boy-or girlfriends, friends, or family. However, according to Gould et al 11 more than 20% of the youth who turn to the Internet for help are unsatisfied with the help they receive.…”