The new research was conducted by Dr Victor Hong, professor at Michigan University.
When Netflix original show, 13 Reasons Why first emerged, it caused significant controversy.
The fictional series touches on sensitive topics like sexual violence, substance abuse and suicide. In particular, it follows the story of seventeen-year-old Hannah Baker’s death and the horrific incidents that occurred before she tragically took her own life. Hannah decided to leave tapes to the people who had a part to play in her death in a bid to highlight the negative ramifications things like bullying can have on people’s mental health.
When the first series aired, people were concerned that it could be detrimental to the mental health of young viewers and could even trigger copycat incidents.
As a result of this criticism, the second series featured a minute-long video which replaced the original “viewer warning card” that was displayed at the beginning of the first episode, with members of the cast addressing the difficult issues that the show touches on.
However, a new study conducted by Dr Victor Hong, at Michigan University suggests that this is not enough.
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According to The Sun, Dr Hong and his team put 44 questions to 87 teenagers aged between 13 and 17 to investigate the effects of the show on their mental health and 50 percent said it did heighten their suicide risk.
Dr Hong commented on the research, saying:
“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.”
“Few believe this type of media exposure will take kids who are not depressed and make them suicidal.”
But added that it could:
“negatively impact youth who are already teetering on the edge.”
Further research is definitely needed, but this could be a red flag to parents.
If you are concerned about your child watching the show alone, Netflix has the very convenient feature of adding a PIN which gives parents and guardians more specific control over what children can watch on the service. Furthermore, 13 Reasons Why compiled a list of resources people can access if they have been affected by the show.
