Child suicides in Japan have soared to the highest level in more than four decades as the COVID-19 pandemic led to the shutting down of schools and disruption in normal life, according to reports in the local media.

According to a survey carried out by Japan’s education ministry, as many as 415 children from elementary to high school age were recorded as having committed suicide. The number is up by nearly 100 from last year, and the highest since 1974 when the registering of such cases started, the Asahi newspaper reported on Thursday.

The education ministry said a record high of more than 196,127 school children were absent for 30 days or more, media reported.

The results showed that the disruptions in school and household environments due to the pandemic have had an adverse impact on children's behaviour, NHK quoted an education ministry official as saying.

Japan reports suicides faster and more accurately than anywhere else in the world. Unlike most other countries, the numbers are compiled at the end of every month.

Suicide has a long history in Japanese society as an act to avoid what are seen as extreme situations involving disgrace or dishonour. The country has had to take special steps to arrest the malaise.

During the Covid pandemic the numbers have told a disturbing story. The number of suicide rates among women has also gone up in Japan due to the emotional and financial stress