Thirteen Reasons Why is a new TV show that was released by Netflix this year. This
show is being censured as controversial, and something that adolescents should not watch;
raising a quandary in adults. There is a big argument as to whether children should be watching
this show due to it being austere and the subject. This issue erupted after the release of this TV
series based off the book 13 Reasons Why. There are many opinions on this show coming from
teenagers, adults, and medical professionals. However, these opinions are mainly based off
opinion, and are a foible. What we can do to prevent people from using the show to allude to as a
Teenagers view despite being categorical, view the show in an interesting way. Some
have the laconic opinion that the show, can lead to important conversations. (Dubber) Teens
feel that the show is wonderful way to explain how there are support systems available for
people in these situations, and that parents are generally fastidious. Especially since suicidal
thoughts do not only effect the indigent. Teens feel that this show is a wonderful and not a
brevity way to inform people about the consequences of taking your own life, and what we can
do to prevent it. These teens feel that this show is a perquisite, because it demonstrates the idea
that, we need to watch what we say to people (Dubber) You dont understand what is going
on in someone elses life so why should you be allowed to weigh in on their life and affect them.
By making extemporized statements about other people you could end up regretting it. If you
have nothing nice to say it then dont is the moral of the story. They feel that the show touches
on topics hardly discussed in the real world which may contribute to peoples willingness to
ignore what happens entirely. Teens seem to be very supportive of the show and its content,
their children rescind from watching the show. Many of these adults are caviling that the show is,
glamorizing suicide, (Press) in the way that is portrayed in an ostentatious manner on this
TV show, or they simply dont care and provide a platitude as a response. They feel that the
show is very strong content and is very graphic as it depicts suicide in the final episode. The
show is very concerning for parents as they worry this show will persuade their children to try
and commit suicide. The show is damaging and can be emotionally damaging for their children if
watched. Some parents dont bother looking into this issue because they believe suicide is a form
of narcissism; yet these are the same people who incriminate others of not caring for their child.
There are also parents who are turning to research of the discernible signs of suicide to make
sure their child has not been affected, or is acting out due to this show.
Medical professionals have a similar opinion to the parents of the children watching this
show; however, have varied reasons for being concerned about the show. While many teens are
becoming interested in the new TV series not many of them are discussing the topic with anyone
to describe their emotions. A big concern of medical professionals is that teens will become very
attracted to the appeal of the show that is being presented. This appeal is making medical
professionals worried that teens will, binge the entire series without a chance to fully absorb
the issues and ask questions. (Press), rather than protracting the show to allow some time to
digest information. This would cause a buildup of information in the teens mind not allowing
them to correctly process the graphic and descriptive content, and not allow them to fully
understand it. Suicide is currently the, third leading cause of death (CNN) Professionals
are concerned this show will pose a health risk to teenagers and children who have already been
affected mentally by bullying or by any other type of abuse. Mental, emotional, and physical
abuse are very damaging to a childs brain and their thought process. Professionals are warning
of the show affecting teens and children who already have pre-existing depression issues. They
feel that this show could be further damaging, and could push them over the edge. Suicide
Contagion and Copy Cat behavior is very likely in suicide cases. It has been statistically proven
that children, exposed to a classmates suicide was associated with being five times more
likely to have suicidal thoughts (CNN) This is what led to medical professionals being
concerned over the safety of children, teenagers, children or teenagers with depression, and all
people in general. Because of this risk, medical professionals have advised schools to release
statements to parents explaining the content of the show, and warning to either not let their
In conclusion, there is many solutions that could be made to prevent suicide from this TV
show. Whether a teen or child will see suicide as a way out due to this show, depends on the
person and their opinions. With the TV show being rated for mature audiences only, it is
completely understandable for a school to inform parents of this show if it has become a popular
thing for teens or children to watch. Parents should be aware of their children watching 13
Reasons Why as it is truly graphic and depicted in a very ugly manor. Adults should be
monitoring their children to make sure their child is processing the information being put forth
by this TV show. This will assure that a child is at least getting contact from their parents
regarding the difficult topic of suicide. Suicide is regarded as something serious, and is not
discussed in school very often due to it being labeled as a difficult subject. Suicide should be
included in a High School Level Health Class. Suicide is an everyday problem that affects almost
everyone, whether it is themselves or others around them. Education is the best way to teach a
child that there is people and methods of relieving stress, being able to talk to someone, and
getting the help you need. The show has benefits to it, because of the way it is shown in a very
ugly manor. This show if combined with the correct type of parental or councilor guidance, can
be very educational and informative for a child. The method practiced today of not talking about
suicide is not working. People are still committing suicide and are still struggling to speak up.
Suicide is a real issue that needs to be addressed whether that be by a medical professional, a
school, a parent, or by a child themselves. A parent should be made aware of the warning signs
of suicide as to protect their child from self-harm as it affects manty adolescents in todays
world. So, whether you are a child, teenager, parent, or medical professional we need to work
together to help prevent suicide and make the world a safer place for people to speak up, this is
References:
CNN Wire. "Netflix Show 13 Reasons Why Could Pose Health Risks for Teens, Say Experts."
<http://wgntv.com/2017/04/25/netflix-show-13-reasons-why-could-pose-health-risks-for-
teens-say-experts/>.
Dubber/Netflix, Beth. "Teens Explain What Adults Don't Get About 13 Reasons Why." The Cut.
<http://nymag.com/thecut/2017/05/teenagers-explain-what-adults-dont-get-about-13-
reasons-why.html>.
Press, Mark Kennedy The Associated. "'13 Reasons Why' about Teen Suicide Raises Concerns
among Adults." Las Vegas Review-Journal. Las Vegas Review-Journal. Inc., 28 Apr.
2017. Web. 04 May 2017. <https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/tv/13-reasons-
why-about-teen-suicide-raises-concerns-among-adults/>.