The revised Basic Law on Suicide Prevention, enacted last year, newly advocates the use of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) as a suicide prevention measure.
The advantage of AI is its low psychological barrier. In a survey of people who feel overwhelmed by life, 50% of elementary, middle, and high school students chose AI as a source of support. This was a web survey conducted last month by the NPO "Life Link Suicide Prevention Support Center." Only 14% chose close adults such as family or teachers, and 19% chose friends.
Younger generations are more familiar with AI, and it may be easier for them to take the first step in confiding their problems through AI than through face-to-face interaction. It is hoped that this will reduce the burden of confiding emotional distress and serve as a starting point for connecting them to support. It plays a preventative role in preventing problems from becoming more serious.
The Agency for Child and Family Affairs envisions a framework for identifying children at risk through AI consultations and connecting them with medical institutions, and will begin considering its use from fiscal year 2026. They will investigate pilot projects in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, and other locations to understand its effectiveness and points to note.
by MagazineKey4532