Children's Hospitals Today - Summer 2017 - 8

ROUNDS / COMMENTARY

Netflix show spotlights teen suicide
Health care providers can encourage families to talk about the issue.

Netflix

BY JULIE ERICKSON, PH.D., LP

Could the show do
more harm than
good? Read more at
childrenshospitals
.org/13reasons.

f you've had any contact with a teenager in the last several
months, you are aware of the widespread attention and
popularity around a recent Netflix series, "13 Reasons Why."
The show, based on the novel by Jay Asher, tells the story
of Hannah, a 17-year-old who dies by suicide as a result of
suffering from depression, stemming from being bullied by
classmates. The series, which was renewed for a second season, chronicles Hannah's life leading up to her tragic death
through a set of audiotapes she leaves behind describing the
13 experiences that contributed to her decision to end her life.
Mental health experts, parents and educators have expressed concern about the graphic content of the episodes,
the misconceptions and dramatization of suicide and the
mature themes presented within the series. "13 Reasons
Why" is rated TV-MA for mature audiences and may not be
suitable for all adolescents, particularly young teens and
those who have experienced significant depression, anxiety
or suicidal ideation.
However, the accessibility of Netflix on portable electronic
devices can limit much-needed parental monitoring and guidance. The show's accessibility also means many adolescents,
including young and vulnerable teens, may have already
watched part or all of the series by the time you are reading
this. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of the show

CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL S TODAY Summer 2017

means that those who may have chosen not to watch it are still
surrounded by conversations and media coverage of the series.
For personal and safety reasons, our society has a difficult
time talking about suicide. There are safe messaging guidelines for the media around suicide to prevent contagion effects (in other words, copycat suicides) when they occur in the
community. Critics are concerned the messages about suicide
presented in "13 Reasons Why" normalize or glamorize it as a
result or option to teenage problems. Many fear these messages could lead to suicidal behavior by viewers.
Parents are often uncomfortable talking about suicide because of the myth that discussing it can plant the idea in their
child's head. Or, parents can be in denial that suicide is relevant
to their child. The stigma of mental illness can also affect a parent's ability to begin the conversation. However, facilitating
open communication about depression or suicidal thoughts
makes it okay for teens to ask for help and seek support.
"13 Reasons Why" has generated enormous attention and
brought the topic of suicide to the forefront of popular
discourse. As health care providers, we should encourage
parents and teens to talk about suicide in ways they may
not have before. Because many teens are talking about, and
possibly watching the series, parents can use the show as a
way to connect with their child and open up communication
about difficult topics.
In Minnesota, where I practice, suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people. One in five teens seriously considers suicide every year. Most often, teens who die
by suicide have depression, substance abuse or other mental
health disorders.
Although "13 Reasons Why" portrays the outcome we all
fear for teens who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, it
also shares a message of the importance of teens treating one
another with kindness and respect. It depicts the many ways
in which teens do not know the impact of their words, actions
and experiences. Ideally, the show helps increase tolerance
and acceptance among teens, with more support and helpseeking behaviors from adults.
Julie Erickson, Ph.D., LP, is a clinical psychologist specializing in
adolescent health and behavior at Children's Minnesota.
Share your opinions. Email magazine@childrenshospitals.org.

http://childrenshospitals.org/13reasons

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