Outside View

Psychological help network for kids

The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has announced a plan for a new network to support young people who need psychological help. Commendable as it is, this could be a case of too little too late, the Japan Times reported. The number of young people who need help with psychological problems has increased over the past decade to near crisis levels. Problems ranging from bullying to truancy, abuse, depression, suicide, anorexia and, more recently, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, have thus far been treated as they occur.

The plan is well intentioned, though, and even small steps will certainly benefit many kids in need. The plan will establish a nationwide system of hub hospitals with specialist clinics and wards, and will help coordinate schools, public health centers and the police. These hubs will be distributed in every prefecture in Japan and coordinated by the National Center for Child Medical Health and Development. All of this is well and good.