NETFLIX ADDS TRIGGER WARNINGS TO SUICIDE SHOW

Netflix has added trigger warnings ahead of every episode of its series 13 Reasons Why after a deluge of criticism from educators and mental health professionals.

In the Netflix adaptation of Jay Asher’s popular novel, a high school student commits suicide and leads her classmates to piece together the 13 reasons why she chose to take her own life through a series of tapes she left behind.

The series, which debuted in March, has quickly become a Netflix favourite among teens, but it has also picked up a whole lot of controversy because of its uncensored scenes of rape and suicide. According to the network, those scenes were included to show teens just how serious those subjects can be, while simultaneously spotlighting the complexities of mental illness.

The series’ creators even changed the lead’s method of suicide from the book, from overdosing on pills to slitting her wrists, in efforts to amp up the graphic nature and, therefore, the gravity of the situation. Nonetheless, according to one Canadian school and school board, the show glamorizes suicide.

St. Vincent Elementary School in Edmonton sent out a mass email to students’ parents, writing, “The discussion that is unfolding at school is troubling. ... Please let your child know that discussion of 13 Reasons Why is not permitted at school due to the disturbing subject matter.”

School Mental Health Assist, an organization that works with the Ontario Ministry of Education, warned that the material was “potentially triggering for vulnerable young people.”

The National Association of School Psychologists sent a notice to school mental health professionals about how to talk about the show. A spokeswoman said it was the first time the association had put out guidance in response to a television show.

“Across the suicide prevention communities and experts, there is concern in the way that the suicide is portrayed and the build up to the suicide ... could trigger suicide contagion or copycat behaviour,” association spokeswoman Kathy Cowan said.

In an effort to steer clear of any backlash, Netflix has already included advisory warnings before the episodes depicting the graphic scenes.