13 Reasons Why Issue Research

Thirteen Reasons Why is a new TV show that was released by Netflix this year. This

show is being censured as controversial, and something that adolescents should not watch;

raising a quandary in adults. There is a big argument as to whether children should be watching

this show due to it being austere and the subject. This issue erupted after the release of this TV

series based off the book 13 Reasons Why. There are many opinions on this show coming from

teenagers, adults, and medical professionals. However, these opinions are mainly based off

opinion, and are a foible. What we can do to prevent people from using the show to allude to as a

guide to commit suicide should be our main concern.

Teenagers view despite being categorical, view the show in an interesting way. Some

have the laconic opinion that the show, can lead to important conversations. (Dubber) Teens

feel that the show is wonderful way to explain how there are support systems available for

people in these situations, and that parents are generally fastidious. Especially since suicidal

thoughts do not only effect the indigent. Teens feel that this show is a wonderful and not a

brevity way to inform people about the consequences of taking your own life, and what we can

do to prevent it. These teens feel that this show is a perquisite, because it demonstrates the idea

that, we need to watch what we say to people (Dubber) You dont understand what is going

on in someone elses life so why should you be allowed to weigh in on their life and affect them.

By making extemporized statements about other people you could end up regretting it. If you

have nothing nice to say it then dont is the moral of the story. They feel that the show touches

on topics hardly discussed in the real world which may contribute to peoples willingness to

ignore what happens entirely. Teens seem to be very supportive of the show and its content,

because it ameliorates the discussion of suicide.

 Adults have a different point of view on this show. Some adults are even making sure

their children rescind from watching the show. Many of these adults are caviling that the show is,

glamorizing suicide, (Press) in the way that is portrayed in an ostentatious manner on this

TV show, or they simply dont care and provide a platitude as a response. They feel that the

show is very strong content and is very graphic as it depicts suicide in the final episode. The

show is very concerning for parents as they worry this show will persuade their children to try

and commit suicide. The show is damaging and can be emotionally damaging for their children if

watched. Some parents dont bother looking into this issue because they believe suicide is a form

of narcissism; yet these are the same people who incriminate others of not caring for their child.

There are also parents who are turning to research of the discernible signs of suicide to make

sure their child has not been affected, or is acting out due to this show.

Medical professionals have a similar opinion to the parents of the children watching this

show; however, have varied reasons for being concerned about the show. While many teens are

becoming interested in the new TV series not many of them are discussing the topic with anyone

to describe their emotions. A big concern of medical professionals is that teens will become very

attracted to the appeal of the show that is being presented. This appeal is making medical

professionals worried that teens will, binge the entire series without a chance to fully absorb

the issues and ask questions. (Press), rather than protracting the show to allow some time to

digest information. This would cause a buildup of information in the teens mind not allowing

them to correctly process the graphic and descriptive content, and not allow them to fully

understand it. Suicide is currently the, third leading cause of death (CNN) Professionals

are concerned this show will pose a health risk to teenagers and children who have already been

affected mentally by bullying or by any other type of abuse. Mental, emotional, and physical
abuse are very damaging to a childs brain and their thought process. Professionals are warning

of the show affecting teens and children who already have pre-existing depression issues. They

feel that this show could be further damaging, and could push them over the edge. Suicide

Contagion and Copy Cat behavior is very likely in suicide cases. It has been statistically proven

that children, exposed to a classmates suicide was associated with being five times more

likely to have suicidal thoughts (CNN) This is what led to medical professionals being

concerned over the safety of children, teenagers, children or teenagers with depression, and all

people in general. Because of this risk, medical professionals have advised schools to release

statements to parents explaining the content of the show, and warning to either not let their

children watch it or monitor it.

In conclusion, there is many solutions that could be made to prevent suicide from this TV

show. Whether a teen or child will see suicide as a way out due to this show, depends on the

person and their opinions. With the TV show being rated for mature audiences only, it is

completely understandable for a school to inform parents of this show if it has become a popular

thing for teens or children to watch. Parents should be aware of their children watching 13

Reasons Why as it is truly graphic and depicted in a very ugly manor. Adults should be

monitoring their children to make sure their child is processing the information being put forth

by this TV show. This will assure that a child is at least getting contact from their parents

regarding the difficult topic of suicide. Suicide is regarded as something serious, and is not

discussed in school very often due to it being labeled as a difficult subject. Suicide should be

included in a High School Level Health Class. Suicide is an everyday problem that affects almost

everyone, whether it is themselves or others around them. Education is the best way to teach a

child that there is people and methods of relieving stress, being able to talk to someone, and
getting the help you need. The show has benefits to it, because of the way it is shown in a very

ugly manor. This show if combined with the correct type of parental or councilor guidance, can

be very educational and informative for a child. The method practiced today of not talking about

suicide is not working. People are still committing suicide and are still struggling to speak up.

Suicide is a real issue that needs to be addressed whether that be by a medical professional, a

school, a parent, or by a child themselves. A parent should be made aware of the warning signs

of suicide as to protect their child from self-harm as it affects manty adolescents in todays

world. So, whether you are a child, teenager, parent, or medical professional we need to work

together to help prevent suicide and make the world a safer place for people to speak up, this is

the one true way to help fix the situation.

References:

CNN Wire. "Netflix Show 13 Reasons Why Could Pose Health Risks for Teens, Say Experts."

WGN-TV. WGN-TV, 25 Apr. 2017. Web. 04 May 2017.

<http://wgntv.com/2017/04/25/netflix-show-13-reasons-why-could-pose-health-risks-for-

teens-say-experts/>.

Dubber/Netflix, Beth. "Teens Explain What Adults Don't Get About 13 Reasons Why." The Cut.

New York Media LLC, 01 May 2017. Web. 04 May 2017.

<http://nymag.com/thecut/2017/05/teenagers-explain-what-adults-dont-get-about-13-

reasons-why.html>.

Press, Mark Kennedy The Associated. "'13 Reasons Why' about Teen Suicide Raises Concerns

among Adults." Las Vegas Review-Journal. Las Vegas Review-Journal. Inc., 28 Apr.
2017. Web. 04 May 2017. <https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/tv/13-reasons-

why-about-teen-suicide-raises-concerns-among-adults/>.