Although the number of suicides in Japan has decreased since 2008, that among teens has recently increased. In 2020, the annual suicide rate among all ages increased for the first time in 11 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and that among teens was the highest on record. Thus, suicide prevention is especially important for children and adolescents. The aim of this review is to provide basic knowledge of suicide among children and adolescents.
 The motives for suicide by children and adolescents include `school problems' and `family problems', but the motives in half of the cases are unknown. As interpersonal relationships while establishing one's identity may increase the suicide risk among youth, children and adolescents can be psychologically regarded as high-risk groups for suicide.
 Effective suicide prevention or intervention strategies for children and adolescents include cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and assertive case management. However, suicide prevention for children and adolescents is generally difficult because their self-stigma obstructs help-seeking behaviors. Therefore, 'How to put out SOS?' education programs were recently implemented at all schools in Japan to teach help-seeking skills, although these programs are not evidence-based. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has limited healthy communication, thus inhibiting SOS signals and making it difficult to identify suicide risk.
 Suicide among children and adolescents has markedly increased due to COVID-19, and strong family, school, and social support is needed in this field.
 Author's abstract