Netflix's new series 13 Reasons Why's dark and mature storyline is attracting criticisms and recently, Principal Azza Ghali of St. Vincent Elementary School, a Catholic educational institution in Canada issued a rule forbidding the student in the campus from discussing the said series inside the school premises.
According to CBC News report as cited by inquisitr, the excerpt from the principal's letter to the parents of the school says, "It is has come to my attention that some students are watching a Netflix series called 13 Reasons Why. The discussion that is unfolding at school is troubling. This series is rated Mature and the theme is the suicide of a high school student. This show includes graphic violence (rape) and gore, profanity, alcohol/drugs/smoking, and frightening/intense scenes."
He further added, "The purpose of this email is to provide you with this information. Please let your child know that discussion of 13 Reasons Why is not permitted at school due to the disturbing subject matter. Should you have any question, please do not hesitate to contact me. If you have questions about this show, please feel free to contact Miss Ciezki, who has watched the series."
In fact, other schools too have taken similar initiatives were taken against 13 Reasons Why. Another school, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board from Ontario, Canada accused the blockbuster show for glamorizing teenage suicide and for portraying a negative image of mental health professionals.
While, in New Zealand the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) have put adult rating on the suicide drama and said in a statement as mentioned by HollywoodReporter, "Some aspects of the show have received praise from groups such as the Sexual Abuse Prevention Network, who have highlighted some positive messaging around consent and sexual violence in the show.The Mental Health Foundation New Zealand also identifies the series as an opportunity to raise awareness around youth suicide and mental health."
The statement also added, "However there are real risks created by the portrayal of suicide in 13 Reasons Why. The suicide method is clearly shown – contravening established health guidelines and creating the potential for copycat behavior. The real links between mental health and suicide are not discussed at all in the series. The choice of the lead character to kill herself is also portrayed quite fatalistically. In real life, most of those with suicidal thoughts recover and do not go on to end their lives."
