A Japanese non-profit organization has developed a computer function designed to help prevent suicides by children.
The browser extension, called the SOS Filter, was developed by a group called Ova.
About 4,800 keywords related to suicide, bullying and abuse are registered in this feature.
When people type in these registered terms during an internet search, their device will automatically display information on counseling services and tips for managing their feelings, such as writing down their emotions or visiting a school nurse's office.
Ova allowed 980 junior and senior high school students to use the system on a trial basis for five months through March this year.
The group said information on counseling services and other tips were displayed in 134 searches. It added that many of the searches were related to news on suicides.
Ova has started providing the browser extension to boards of education and schools free of charge. It is urging officials to install the extension on individual students' devices provided by the schools.
Ito Jiro, who heads the NPO, said the search terms should be regarded as cries for help from people who cannot speak out, and that he wants the search engine function to be used to help children find hope to live.
A Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry survey showed that 513 elementary, junior and senior high school students committed suicide in 2023.
As part of its efforts to prevent children's suicides, the government intends to identify signs of suicidal tendencies by utilizing computer devices distributed to each student.