Netflix's controversial new drama may lead to a surge in US youth suicide rates

According to the latest report from Reference News today (May 5), the relevant US authorities released a research report on April 27, saying that the number of suicides among young Americans increased by nearly one-third in the month after the American TV series "13 Reasons Why" premiered on Netflix in 2017. It is reported that there is a plot in this popular TV series where a girl cuts her wrists.

According to a Reuters report on April 29, the research report supported by the National Institutes of Health stated that the suicide rate among young people aged 10 to 17 in the United States soared by 28.9% in April 2017, which was related to the TV series.

The study also said suicide rates among 10 to 17-year-olds rose in the months after the series premiered, with about 195 more suicide deaths between April and December 2017 than would have been estimated based on past data.

The researchers acknowledged the study had limitations and said they could not establish a direct "cause and effect" relationship between the TV show "13 Reasons Why" and the rise in suicide rates, nor could they rule out other factors.

"13 Reasons Why" tells the story of a teenage girl who left behind 13 tapes explaining why she decided to commit suicide. The last episode of the first season also included a scene where she slit her wrists in the bathtub.

The vivid scenario sparked a strong reaction among parents and health experts, prompting Netflix to add warning messages to viewers in 2017 and direct them to support groups.

The second season of "13 Reasons Why" was released in May 2018, and the third season has been ordered by Netflix.

Netflix did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the research, which was released on April 27, but CEO Reed Hastings defended the order for a third season of the show at a June 2018 shareholder meeting, saying: “13 Reasons Why has always been popular and successful. It’s a fascinating show. It’s controversial, but people have the right to choose whether to watch it or not.”

The researchers said the findings should serve as a reminder to be aware of possible unintended effects of depictions of suicide, and as a call for the entertainment industry and media to adopt best practices when engaging with the topic.