Netflix series '13 Reasons Why' sparks debate over the depiction of suicide

First at Five – April 27 First at Five we take a closer look at 13 Reasons Why, a new Netflix series that has divided viewers over its portrayal of teen suicide.

The Netflix series ‘13 Reasons Why’ has been in the crosshairs of TV critics and suicide prevention groups alike since premiering last month.

The show depicts a teenager who takes her own life and leaves behind audio tapes that explain 13 reasons why she did it.

While many say the show exposes young viewers to risky suicide content, others say it doesn't glamourize teen suicide at all, but rather sparks a conversation about issues such as bullying, sexual assault and mental health.

“Netflix hit all the right notes in terms of its show content, show demographic, with the understanding that it would do extremely well on social media because that's where the conversations take place,” says Rich Hanley, associate professor of journalism at Quinnipiac University.

Leah Parsons lost her daughter Rehtaeh four years ago. The teen was distraught after a sexually explicit photo of her was shared amongst her peers. She died after a suicide attempt.

“I see how conversations can be brought up based on a show like this, but I do have a few concerns from what I've seen,” says Parsons. “It feels like, so far, that part of the suicide was for revenge. But like I said, I've only watched so many episodes and I don't really feel like that's accurate. Also, I'm not really sure that a child that age would analyze it the way that it's being analyzed.”

Carol Todd also lost her daughter Amanda to suicide in 2012. She has received hundreds of messages from people around the world who have watched the series.

Like Parsons, Todd says the show has had a positive impact in that it has brought attention to some important issues.

“The content's good because it brings out conversation of awareness and it started a major conversation around the world right now on mental health, suicide, cyber abuse, behaviours of others, revenge, sexual assault, and that's a good thing,” says Todd.

Todd encourages parents to watch the series first, or watch it with their child, and, most importantly, to have discussions about it.

“When you have young people out there, as young as 13, who are watching it, watching it unsupervised, because it's accessible, that's when you have to worry about how people are going to feel,” says Todd.

Jillian Atwell says the series hit close to home because says her child is being bullied at a Nova Scotia school.

“The show depicts the truth of what really goes on,” she says.

Atwell has also lost a loved one to suicide and even though she says the series may be somewhat dramatized, it takes real-life situations and portrays them on the big screen.

"This happens, bullying can lead to suicide,” says Atwell. “Some feel it won't. I, on the other hand, know firsthand what bullying leads too and what it can do.”

With files from CTV Atlantic's Suzette Belliveau