13 Reasons Why suicides – Number of young Americans killing themselves leapt by a third within weeks of show launching on Netflix, study finds
Boys are driving the increase, US researchers found
THE number of American chlidren killing themselves soared by almost a third after the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why was released, a study has revealed.
Almost 200 more youngsters aged ten to 17 took their lives following the hit drama's debut in 2017, US researchers found.
The show tells the story of a teen who leaves behind a series of 13 tapes describing why she decided to take her own life.
The first season's final episode depicted her slitting her wrists in a bathtub.
The graphic scene caused a backlash among parents and health professionals, prompting Netflix to put up additional viewer warnings and direct viewers to support groups.
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
The study, from the National Institute of Mental Health, could not make a direct link between 13 Reasons Why, and the increase in suicide rates.
But in April 2017, suicides were 28.9 per cent higher among US youngsters than in previous years.
'NOBODY HAS TO WATCH IT'
It also found suicide rates had gone up for the rest of 2017, producing an additional 195 deaths from April to December 2017.
And it is young boys apparently driving the increase, it has been noted.
Netflix have said they are reviewing the study, but noted it had contradicted previous research.
Experts from the University of Pennysylvania found students who watched all of the series second season were less likely to have suicidal thoughts than their peers who didn't watch the programme at all.
Netflix boss Reed Hastings has backed plans for a third season.
'BE MINDFUL'
In a shareholder meeting last year, he said: "13 Reasons Why has been enormously popular and successful. It's engaging content. It is controversial. But nobody has to watch it."
The NIH-backed researchers said their findings "should serve as a reminder to be mindful of the possible unintended impacts of the portrayal of suicide, and as a call to the entertainment industry and the media to use best practices when engaging with this topic".
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The study was conducted at several universities, hospitals, and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the US government's National Institutes of Health.
NIMH also funded the study.
Netflix said: "It's a critically important topic, and we have worked hard to ensure that we handle this sensitive issue responsibly."
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans on (free) 116123