Japanese government figures showed that the number of child suicides last year is likely to have reached a record high, having exceeded 500 for the first time.

This prompted the education ministry to call on boards of education across the country on Tuesday to find children with worries and difficulties as soon as possible. The ministry also demands boards of education to work with parents and others to deal with the situation.

The health ministry said in February that preliminary figures showed 512 elementary to senior high school students killed themselves last year. The figure is up 39 from the final figure in the previous year.

Of those who died last year, 352 were in senior high school, up 38 from the previous year, 143 in junior high, down five, and 17 in elementary school, up six.

The education ministry's analysis showed that suicides among children were mainly attributed to poor academic performance, entrance examinations and worries about their future.

Education and culture minister Nagaoka Keiko told reporters on Tuesday that she wants children to be aware that there certainly are adults around who are willing to help them.

She also called on parents and school officials to pay careful attention to subtle signs children might show and listen to their concerns.

A 24-hour counseling service for children is available at 0120-0-78310.