A “13 Reasons Why” suicide scene in is being altered following lengthy controversy over criticisms the scene increases risks of teen suicide, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Studies showed teen suicide rates spiked following the “13 Reasons Why” Season 1 premiere in March 2017, according to CNN.
The Netflix series with a strong following among teens and young adults follows a high school student, Hannah, who dies by suicide. Her nearly three-minute suicide scene stirred up controversy on how young people were responding to the graphic scene.
“We’ve heard from many young people that 13 Reasons Why encouraged them to start conversations about difficult issues like depression and suicide and get help — often for the first time,” Netflix said in a statement Tuesday. “As we prepare to launch season three later this summer, we’ve been mindful about the ongoing debate around the show. So on the advice of medical experts, including Dr. Christine Moutier, chief medical officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, we’ve decided with creator Brian Yorkey and the producers to edit the scene in which Hannah takes her own life from season one.”
Brian Yorkey, the show’s creator, also released a statement Tuesday saying he hoped “13 Reasons Why” “would help young viewers feel seen and heard, and encourage empathy in all who viewed it, much as the bestselling book did before us.”
The episode depicting the suicide is halfway through the season one finale and is no longer able to be viewed on Netflix. The scene shows Hannah slicing her wrists, dying and her mother finding her body. The episode begins with a warning that the episode “may not be suitable for younger audiences” and included “graphic depictions of violence and suicide.”
Following the release of “13 Reasons Why” Season 1, Netflix added additional warnings and segments discussing suicide. Netflix also started 13ReasonsWhy.info which includes resources and information on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line. Netflix also added a Discussion Guide to help parents, guardians and others discuss the issues addressed in the show, like suicide, sexual assault and bullying.
Netflix is preparing for the release of “13 Reasons Why” Season 3.