Reaction to Netflix teen series

Controversial teen suicide show 13 Reasons Why has triggered an Auckland school to write to students’ parents about mental health support services.

The show has also triggered a small number of calls from New Zealand teenagers to youth support service Youthline.

13 Reasons Why, which was released in New Zealand on March 31 with an adult rating, is a 13-part Netflix US drama series about a teenage girl who commits suicide.

Epsom private school St Cuthbert’s College’s deputy principal

‘‘We think the series' messages are irresponsible’’ Justine Mahon

Deputy principal St Cuthbert's College Justine Mahon said she was against the series and wrote to students’ parents to provide assurance the school offered support to students relating to mental health issues.

‘‘We think the series’ messages are irresponsible - it presented suicide as inevitable and that is a completely wrong message to send,’’ Mohan said.

Epsom mother of two Kristen Slade said she did not want her children exposed to the series.

‘‘I prefer to discuss these issues openly with my children on my own terms,’’ Slade said.

Youthline received six logged calls from people specifically relating to 13 Reasons Why out of about 12,700 calls and texts in March and 13,000 in April.

The cases included concern for a friend who expressed suicidal thoughts after watching the show, feelings of vulnerability and shock, and parents calling the helpline out of concern.