I am writing on behalf of headspace to address growing concerns raised by schools, parents and young people across Australia about some content featured in US Netflix series 13 Reasons Why.
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The series – which debuted in Australia in late March and is currently streaming on Netflix - depicts a young woman who suicides.
It presents the viewer with very confronting and graphic messaging and imagery inclusive of suicide method and means.
Since its debut both the national headspace School Support Program, which supports school communities in the aftermath of a suicide, and eheadspace, the national online and over-the phone counselling service has received a growing numbers of calls and emails directly related to the program.
The show exposes viewers to risky suicide content and may lead to a distressing reaction by the viewer particularly if the audience is children and young people.
National and international research clearly indicates the very real impact and risk to harmful suicide exposure, leading to increased risk and possible suicide contagion.
Clinicians working for eheadspace have been dealing with a steady stream of concerned parents and young people since the show first aired.
There is a responsibility for broadcasters to know what they are showing and the impact that certain content can have on an audience – and on a young audience in particular.
headspace School Support and eheadspace is urging school communities, parents, and mental health services to be aware of the dangers and risks associated for children and young people who have been exposed to this content.
The national suicide media initiative, Mindframe, also has significant concerns and warnings related to this content.
Kristen Douglas,
National Manager
headspace School Support
