Over the past decade, more teens have attempted suicide. The trend has vexed researchers, but it’s that much more difficult to determine whether a fictional TV show has had any role.
Hannah Baker, played by Katherine Langford, eventually takes her own life in the show 13 Reasons Why.
Beth Dubber/Netflix/IMDB
Michael Musker, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute
Although a US study found a spike in teen suicides after 13 Reasons Why first aired on Netflix, rates of suicide are generally on the rise. The last thing we should do is shy away from the show.
Season two of the controversial show tackles similar issues, and while Netflix appear to have taken heed of some concerns of mental health advocates some issues remain confronting and challenging
Child suicide, such as the 2013 death of 12-year-old Rebecca Sedwick, has often been blamed on bullying.
AP Photo/Brian Blanco
From ‘13 Reasons Why’ to real-life events, there’s been increased scrutiny on the link between bullying and suicide. However, research shows that we may not be getting the full picture.
As the show’s popularity surged, interest in suicide also grew.
Nick Lehr/The Conversation via www.shutterstock.com
Broadcasters have a responsibility to understand the impact that certain content can have on an audience.
13 Reasons Why is the story of high-school student Hannah, who took her own life and left 13 tapes explaining why.
IMDb/Kicked to the Curb Productions, Anonymous Content, July Moon Productions, Paramount Television
While there are some some safety concerns about watching the show, 13 Reasons Why raises many issues relevant to adolescents – and we should learn from them.