Following criticisms over the show’s depiction of suicide, Netflix is including additional trigger warnings to 13 Reasons Why. Based on Jay Asher’s young adult novel of the same name, the series is a huge hit for the streaming service, and an even bigger source of controversy. Barb from Stranger Things advised against watching 13 Reasons Why “if you currently struggle with suicidal thoughts or self harm/have undergone sexual assault,” while a school in the Land of Degrassi, Canada, banned all references to the show “due to the disturbing subject matter.” In reaction to these concerns, Netflix issued a statement on Monday about adding an “an additional viewer warning card.”
“While many of our members find the show to be a valuable driver for starting an important conversation with their families, we have also heard concern from those who feel the series should carry additional advisories. Currently, the episodes that carry graphic content are identified as such and the series overall carries a TV-MA rating. Moving forward, we will add an additional viewer warning card before the first episode as an extra precaution for those about to start the series and have also strengthened the messaging and resource language in the existing cards for episodes that contain graphic subject matter, including 13ReasonsWhy.info — a global resource center that provides information about professional organizations that support help around the serious matters addressed in the show.”
There were previously warnings before three episodes depicting rape and suicide, but a new card will now “precede the beginning of the series.” That’s a fine place to start, but it won’t matter if adults don’t start listening to teens.
(Via the Hollywood Reporter)
