13 Reasons Why: Netflix show linked to heightened risk of suicide among teenage viewers

The show centres around a 17-year-old high school student who dies by suicide, leaving behind 13 cassette tapes for 13 different people

Netflix's controversial series 13 Reasons Why has a negative impact on the mental health of at-risk teens, a new study has claimed.

A study conducted by the University of Michigan found that, out of the suicidal teens treated in a psychiatric emergency department, a significant proportion said that watching the show had increased their suicide risk.

The show centres around a 17-year-old high school student who dies by suicide, leaving behind 13 cassette tapes for 13 different people she felt was instrumental in her decision to take her own life.

It has already received widespread criticism from mental health organisations and experts, not only for the show's narrative, but its graphic depiction of Hanna (Katherine Langford)'s suicide. Netflix was prompted to add strong advisory warnings to several of the episodes. A graphic scene in the season two finale which depicts the rape of a male character also received a widespread backlash.

Out of the 87 teens who participated in the survey between 2017 and 2018, half had watched at least one episode of the show. Among the 43 who had watched it, about half said it heightened their suicide risk.

“Our study doesn’t confirm that the show is increasing suicide risk, but it confirms that we should definitely be concerned about its impact on impressionable and vulnerable youth,” said lead author Victor Hong MD. “Few believe this type of media exposure will take kids who are not depressed and make them suicidal. The concern is about how this may negatively impact youth who are already teetering on the edge.”

The series has been renewed for a third season, with Netflix's CEO announcing: "13 Reasons Why has been enormously popular and successful. It’s engaging content. It is controversial. But nobody has to watch it.”

If you have been affected by this article, you can contact the following organisations for support:

mind.org.uk

beateatingdisorders.org.uk

nhs.uk/livewell/mentalhealth

mentalhealth.org.uk

samaritans.org