[Delinquency] What Should I Do If My Friend Is Engaging in Self-Harm?

The number of children experiencing truancy continues to hit record highs.

According to research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the number of truant elementary and junior high students has exceeded 350,000, marking a 12-year consecutive increase. The habits of attending school were disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting social isolation appears to be a significant factor. Looking at these numbers reveals a dire situation, and our hosts sincerely grapple with the weight of this reality.

We get a glimpse into the negative aspects of the internet and the dark side of SNS.

As a modern struggle, the discussion regarding cases where children are dragged into inappropriate communities via SNS is particularly striking. Even when they should be relying on someone, the loneliness of having nowhere to turn can lead them to try and 'protect' themselves in harmful ways. We discuss the internal conflicts behind this and the mechanisms by which certain events can become triggers.

Gender roles are creating difficulties for children to live as they are.

While juvenile delinquency is generally on the decline compared to the past, we also introduce data showing an increase in self-harm and suicide rates. Our analysis suggests that the collision between traditional values and modern demands is placing excessive pressure on children. The conversation continues into even deeper territory, so please listen to the full episode to hear more.