Boy threatens suicide over bullying inaction

The education ministry has received a letter from a student saying he plans to commit suicide at school Saturday because he is being bullied, officials said Tuesday.

Education Ministry officials at a news conference early Tuesday release a letter from a student threatening suicide because he is being bullied at school. KYODO PHOTO

The letter, addressed to Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister Bummei Ibuki, was delivered Monday.

Ministry officials said the letter, apparently written by a boy, included five other notes addressed to a local board of education, the school principal, his homeroom teacher, his classmates and his parents.

"Those who bullied me did not receive any punishment. I notified the teacher but nothing was done," he wrote without giving names. The student also said his classmates told him he was "sick" and stripped his pants off.

Ibuki said at a news conference the ministry decided to disclose the letter because the student threatened suicide if nothing is done by Wednesday.

"It concerns life. Getting (the letter) reported in the media is one thing that can be done," he said.

Ministry officials said the postmark indicates the letter was sent from Toshima Ward, Tokyo. Ibuki said he told boards of education in Tokyo and elsewhere to check for possible problems that fit the case and asked them to take emergency measures to prevent the suicide.

Ibuki pleaded with the boy at the news conference, saying: "You only have one life to live. Your mother and father gave you life when you were born. I know it may be difficult, but please tell your feelings to someone."

Children who were bullied have committed suicide recently in Fukuoka and Gifu prefectures.