Schoolgirl, 13, hangs herself after mimicking it for prank video linked to Netflix suicide show 13 Reasons Why
Mum Victoria Noblet told an inquest that she believes the video and the show 'bear similarities'
A GIRL of 13 hanged herself at home — a day after mimicking it in a school prank video linked to a Netflix show.
Lily Mae Sharp was a fan of 13 Reasons Why — about a US schoolgirl who commits suicide — and discussed it with pals and her mum.
The day before her death, she was filmed in school loos as friends got her to wear a toilet roll noose.
Mum Victoria Noblet told an inquest yesterday: “I wonder about that video. She was watching 13 Reasons Why.
"I think that bears similarities.
“She mentioned it a couple of times, asking if I’d seen it. I said, ‘No’.”
Ms Noblet said Lily was “bubbly” but had a tough time over her split from Lily’s stepdad.
Teacher Rebecca Darlington said pals spoke of her “dark thoughts” four months before her death.
Lily saw a school counsellor six days before dying.
Dad David Pearson also set up counselling, in which she voiced fear for the future.
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School head John Leigh said she rowed online the day she died but did not think it was to blame.
Lily had been looking after her younger sister in Bradwall, Cheshire. Ms Noblet returned at midnight to find her dead.
Coroner Alan Moore said: “There were no red flags to alert anyone.” Verdict: Suicide.
Schools' worries at show
By Greg Wilford
Headmasters have warned that the suicide-themed Netflix drama 13 Reasons Why could pose a risk to youngsters struggling with mental health issues.
The first series, which became the most tweeted-about show of 2017, told the story of a teen girl’s suicide through 13 disturbing cassette tapes she left behind.
Teachers in Redbridge, east London, and Borehamwood sent letters to parents warning that 13RW was “not suitable viewing for someone depressed or vulnerable to dark thoughts”.
Jenny Brown, headteacher of St Albans Girls’ secondary school, said she was “staggered by the graphic-ness, the instructional quality of it”.
Ged Flynn, chief executive of suicide-prevention charity Papyrus, also attacked the Netflix series for depicting the method a character used to commit suicide.
The show’s producers and writers have argued that the show helped to creat a “dialogue” about important issues.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans on (free) 116123 or 020 7734 2800.