Japanese children suffer from poor mental health among developed nations: UNICEF

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) – Japanese children continue to suffer from poor mental health, with the nation ranking 32nd among 43 developed and emerging nations, a UNICEF report released Wednesday showed.

Japan's mental health ranking improved from 37th in 2020 to 32nd, but its youth suicide rate worsened, now the fourth highest among wealthy nations, up from 12th, according to Kyodo News.

In contrast to mental health, Japan ranked first in physical health, maintaining the same position as in the previous report.

The United Nations Children's Fund report examined members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union across categories such as mental well-being, physical health, and academic and social skills.

Japan improved to 12th in academic and social skills and 14th overall. The Netherlands ranked first, excluding the US and six countries with limited mental health data.

The report highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on children's academic performance, as well as their mental and physical health, in developed nations.

It urged every country to tackle the challenges affecting the well-being of children growing up in a world shaped by epidemics, conflicts, and climate change.