The controversy about Netflix show 13 Reasons Why continues as the streaming site has now added warnings to the most explicit episodes following claims that it 'glamourises' teen suicide.
The drama, which was produced by Selena Gomez, debuted last month and is based on the 2007 novel of the same name by Jay Asher that tells the story of a teenage girl who sends a classmate 13 audio recordings before taking her own life.
The tapes document various individuals the girl claims played a part in her decision to take her own life, and her death is depicted in graphic detail.
Already the Irish National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF) expressed concern about the series and its potential impact on vulnerable young people.
In a briefing, the NSRF stated that there is international evidence that detailed and graphic portrayals of suicide can have a negative impact on vulnerable young people especially in terms of an increased risk of copycat suicides.
The foundation felt that there is a "violation of media guidelines for suicide reporting" in the show, and that "the graphic nature of reporting and the reporting of specific details of the methods involved can trigger copycat cases; the effects of exposure on suicidal behaviour and violence are well-documented."
The Foundation is also of the opinion that "There are elements of glorifying and romanticising suicide, which may further impact on people who are considering suicide or self-harm."
Speaking about the worldwide concern the series has sparked Gomez said: "We stayed very true to the book," which she described as "beautifully tragic, complicated, yet suspenseful story."
She added that the show's producers "wanted to do it justice," and that despite the backlash she is "very proud" of how it is doing.
Netflix has now issued a statement, noting that "13 Reasons Why has opened up a dialogue among parents, teens, schools and mental health advocates around the intense themes and difficult topics depicted in the show.
"We knew the material covered sensitive topics, as the book did when it was published in 2007, and we worked with mental health experts to show how these issues impact teens in real and dramatic ways.
"We added explicit warnings on the three most graphic episodes, produced an after show, Beyond the Reasons, that delves deeper into some of the tougher topics portrayed, as well as created a global website to help people find local mental health resources. We also provide parental controls."
Relevant help lines that can be accessed by people in distress include: Childline: 1800 66 66 66; Aware: 1800 80 48 48; Samaritans: 116 123.
Relevant websites include: www.reachout.com, www.aware.ie, www.yourmentalhealth.ie, www.jigsaw.ie
