3 Articles You Must Read Before You Watch ’13 Reasons Why’
By Fin Sheridan
Netflix have an amazing ability to create series that people love to talk about. House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, the video streaming service is a dominant force in content creation. The latest offering is the highly discussed ‘13 Reasons Why’ – a hit series focused on the suicide of a high school teenager and the impact on the lives of the people around her.
‘13 Reasons Why’ has prompted a wave of discussion around mental health, teenage suicide and the tremendous sway that services like Netflix hold over young people. I’ve seen stories of people feeling deeply triggered by the show with painful memories about their own mental health struggles resurfacing. New Zealand requires that adults supervise under 18 year olds when they view it and Canada has even banned it from being discussed in several schools across the country.
You may have already watched the show. Chances are, your teenager has already watched it or heard about it and discussed it. It’s provided an important opportunity for a discussion and an even more important opportunity for action, regarding the mental health issues that millions of us face across the world.
“13 Reasons Why has provided an important opportunity for discussion and an even more important opportunity for action.”
There’s been some very helpful and insightful pieces written about ‘13 Reasons Why’. Rather than add another to the mix, here’s a collection that will help you make your own mind up about how you approach the show.
TWLOHA’s Jamie Tworkowski Responds: Founder of the non profit organisation ‘To Write Love on Her Arms’, Jamie T responds to the show in his typical compassionate, wise, style.
The Gospel Coalition’s Trevin Wax provides a strongly worded warning against watching the show.
Self Harm UK have written 2 articles: one for young people and one for parents. Both are very helpful and come from a organisation that is directly saving lives in the UK.
Read the one for parents here.
Read the one for young people here.
If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised in ’13 Reasons Why’ , then we’d love to pray with you. Our prayer centre is open for your calls, 8am-8pm, Monday-Friday and until 12pm on Saturdays. Why not call us on 0300 561 0700?
