Netflix is known for encouraging its viewers to binge watch a favorite program.
But when a series delves into the sensitive topic of teen suicide, it prompts some — particularly mental health experts — to encourage young viewers to hit the pause button.
The latest trendy show to catch the eye of teens in the Akron area is the limited series 13 Reasons Why.
The show is based on the 2007 young-adult book of the same name by Jay Asher.
It follows the story of a high school teen who kills herself but leaves 13 cassette tapes behind with messages to those she believes led to her decision. These life-altering encounters include sexual assault, bullying and substance abuse.
Netflix released all 13 hours of the series on March 31. Consequently, some Akron-area schools and local and state suicide prevention experts are concerned that young viewers — especially teens — will not have time to fully process what is playing out on the screen as they watch episode after episode in a single sitting.
Some districts — including Hudson, Tallmadge and Copley-Fairlawn — have sent letters and emails to parents alerting them to the show and warning them to keep an eye on their kids who may be watching it.
“We are concerned about the content of this series, and that viewing the series may increase thoughts of suicide among children and adolescents,” Brian E. Poe, superintendent for Copley-Fairlawn City Schools, wrote in his letter.
“The series is very dark, intense and includes some very mature scenes as well as language that is not appropriate for students.
“Students who hear about, or watch this series may feel confused as a result of how the series addresses topics such as bullying and depression.”
The National Association of School Psychologists has asked parents to carefully consider whether to let their children watch the series.
“We do not recommend that vulnerable youth, especially those who have any degree of suicidal ideation, watch this series,” the association advised. “Its powerful storytelling may lead impressionable viewers to romanticize the choices made by the characters and/or develop revenge fantasies.”
The outcry last week prompted Netflix to add a parental caution message to the series.
A warning now appears prior to the start of each episode. A warning had only appeared before those episodes that depicted rape or the suicide of the main character. The show is rated TV-MA for mature audiences.
“While many of our members find the show to be a valuable driver for starting important conversation with their families, we have also heard concern from those who feel the series should carry additional advisories,” Netflix said in a statement.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists suicide as the second-leading cause of death for children and young adults ages 10 to 24.
Although the show’s topic is difficult, Dr. Erich Merkle, who works with pupil adjustment and student support services for Akron Public Schools, said it does offer an opportunity for parents to talk with their children about suicide.
“I am not brazen enough to say kids won’t watch it,” he said. “This is a fantastic opportunity for parents to get together with their kids and watch it together.”
Merkle, who also serves on the boards for the Ohio School Psychologists Association and the Ohio Psychological Association, said health experts are concerned about at-risk kids sitting alone on a couch watching a Hollywood glamorized version of suicide.
“Children and adolescents tend to make more rash decisions,” he said.
Since the show has “spread like wildfire” here and nationally, Merkle said, it is important for everyone — even school teachers — to be aware of the show and the impact it may have on teens.
“This is pretty powerful stuff,” he said. “We need to get out ahead of this.
“We need to be proactive.”
Craig Webb can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com or 330-996-3547.