The recent Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why, casts a much-needed light on tragic teen issues such as bullying, sexual violence and suicide.

Some say the drama glorifies suicide as an effective cure for depression and others voice concerns about its contagion effect, it’s worth talking about. “I believe the problem is not about talking about mental illness and suicide — it’s not talking about mental health and suicide,” says Sam Fiorella, who uses his son’s death to educate the community. Even if we remain silent, kids will read and learn about suicide. “Do we want them to do it in the vacuum of the Internet or do we want to guide them through this tough time in their life with education, love, and support?” says Fiorella. A study in Pediatrics Journal suggests that adolescent girls may be more exposed to risk factors such as cyberbullying. Some studies link increased problematic cellphone use to depressed mood and show that girls use texting applications more frequently and intensively. Social media plays a big role in destroying their sense of self. High levels of social media use are linked to greater feelings of social isolation — it’s replaced interfacing with people on a muchneeded social level. In Canada, teen suicide is on the rise among teen girls and young women, while male suicide in the same age group has declined, reports Statistics Canada in 2016. The suicide rate among girls has increased by 38 per cent over the past 10 years, while male suicide decreased by 34 per cent. If you or someone you know is suffering with mental-health issues, call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. Find help on suicideprevention.ca and depressionhurts.ca.