Netflix is set to give “13 Reasons Why” new trigger warnings

Amid some controversy and concerns by viewers and watchdogs, Netflix has announced they’re adding new trigger warnings to their hit show 13 Reasons Why.

Ever since it arrived on the streaming service, people have been talking about 13 Reasons Why. Despite the show’s popularity, however, there have been some concerns over the graphic depictions of sexual assault and suicide. As VOX notes, the decision to show Hannah’s suicide has divided critics and experts, and the show’s writers, the author of the novel Jay Asher, and the show’s cast have defended the decision, with all of them refuting claims that the scene glamorizes suicide.

Despite this, however, studies have shown that graphic depictions and descriptions of suicide can have an adverse affect on people suffering with mental health problems and people with suicidal ideations. Likewise, mental health experts and advocates have also voiced their concerns about the show, with Dan Reidenberg, executive director of Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, telling The Washington Post that people were concerned.

In a response to the concerns, Netflix has announced that they are going to include additional trigger warnings prior to the show.

In a statement originally published by Buzzfeed News, Netflix stated that, on top of the existing warnings that preceded episodes 9 and 13 of the show, there would now be an additional warning card before the streaming of the first episode.

“There has been a tremendous amount of discussion about our series 13 Reasons Why. 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,” the statement reads.

Continuing, the statement said:

"Currently the episodes that carry graphic content are identified as such and the series overall carries a TV-MA rating. Moving forward, we will add an additional viewer warning card before the first episode as an extra precaution for those about to start the series and have also strengthened the messaging and resource language in the existing cards for episodes that contain graphic subject matter, including the URL 13ReasonsWhy.info — a global resource center that provides information about professional organizations that support help around the serious matters addressed in the show."

The streaming platform also directed people to the accompanying documentary made alongside the show, 13 Reasons Why: Beyond the Reasons, in which cast members discuss the show and further resources are provided.

Regardless, it seems that Netflix is *probably* going ahead with a second season of 13 Reasons Why. According to a report in The Hollywood Reporter, a writers room has been set up, so we’re expecting some confirmation of the news any day now.

If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text HELLO to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.

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