Internet suicide in Japan: implications for child and adolescent mental health

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.