17-May-2018
The Netflix series 13 Reasons Why returns to Netflix on 18 May 2018 with information about where viewers can find help. The series, which follows the fictional story of a teenager who died by suicide, was criticised last year for the way it portrayed suicide and not offering any support for viewers.
In recent months, mental health advocates from Mindframe and headspace have been working behind the scenes to make sure that Netflix viewers have access to help-seeking information and support services. In response, Netflix has launched a new 13 Reasons Why website that has a discussion guide on depression, bullying, self-harm and suicide. The website also has region-specific links to support services for young people.
Tailored resources from headspace for parents and schools will provide information on how to have safe conversations about the show. The resources will be available on the 13 Reasons Why website and the headspace website just before the launch of the show.
Netflix will also include a warning and help-seeking information before and after the show. In Australia, most media outlets display support services and helplines at the end of a television show or news reports that address mental health. This is considered best practice and is outlined in Mindframe’s media guidelines.
For youth and parents, key national youth support services include:
Youth 24/7 Crisis Support
Online Clinical support and information
Mental Health Information for young people and families
For adults, key national 24/7 support services include: