The Netflix Original series 13 Reasons Why, based on a novel of the same title by Jay Asher, follows Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) as he listens to a set of tapes that detail the reasons his classmate and crush, Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford) decided to take her life. Centred on bullying and sexual assault in high school, the series rose to become the most popular Netflix show on social media. What is it about the show that got everyone binge-watching it? We spoke to psychologists and students in the city to find out more.
For many teens, the bullying and peer pressure Hannah faces in high school is their reality. “This is the one show that really impacted me, and after watching it I actually changed the way I treat people,” shares Anika, a teenager in high school.
However, numerous viewers were discontent with the way the show handled sensitive subjects. Rosh, an 18-year-old with clinical depression says she found the show triggering. “The show glorifies suicide as a means for revenge,” she explains. “It seems to show that people kill themselves for attention.” She feels the show tells teens that adults are incapable of helping in such situations. After seeing Hannah have so many doors shut in her face, others may be discouraged from seeking help,” she says.
13 Reasons Why disregards the relationship between mental disorders and suicide, presenting a surface-level analysis. It is hence not surprising that neurotypical teenagers are more likely to relate to the show than those with mental disorders.
The show has received criticism for its graphic scenes depicting sexual assault and self-harm, going as far as to show the suicide on screen. The National Association of School Psychologists in the US says, “Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic accounts of death, can be one of the many risk factors that youth struggling with mental health conditions cite as a reason they attempt suicide.”
Psychologist Mahesh Natarajan says, “Yes, it’s problematic how they treat self harm and suicide, but I am glad it is getting teen issues into conversation, including issues with identity, sexuality and how cruel the current education system can be with its emphasis on a certain kind of success”. To some, 13 Reasons Why is a touching story that could go far in inspiring change, while to others, it has missed the mark. The series has definitely put out a message into the world, and it’s up to the viewers to decide what it means to them.
—Anoushka Shyam
