The TV series 13 Reasons Why is a source of much controversy and parental concern. It has an uncomfortable approach to discussing teen mental health and the vast topic of suicide. This 13 Reasons Why watching guide is posted to help parents understand what their children are watching. And guide them in making an informed decision about whether or not their child should watch this show.
Understanding the TV show and the topics that may be objectionable will help families make thoughtful decisions and ensure their children’s well-being.
Overview of 13 Reasons Why
13 Reasons Why is an impactful and provocative Netflix original series revolving around the life of a high school student. Her name is Hannah Baker, and she committed suicide.
The series is built around the consequences of her suicide. It involves a set of cassette tapes she left that are shared between her classmates. Each of the thirteen episodes tells one of the reasons why she decided to commit suicide.
The major players in this drama include Hannah Baker, the main female lead character. And Clay Jensen, Hannah’s friend and lover, is overwhelmed by the tragic incident of her death.
The series also includes other students, particularly 12 characters that Hannah holds responsible for her decision to commit suicide.
The main message of 13 Reasons Why is a reflection of teenage growth and mental health. It also includes traumatic experiences, bullying and suicide, and how one’s actions affect others.
Why is 13 Reasons Why so controversial?
This series was created to raise people’s awareness of severe social issues. However, it still sparked controversy over whether it is appropriate for teenagers to watch it.
Here are some of the key reasons why the series has sparked so much debate and concern:
- Graphic depictions: Some of the performances that depict violence, abuse, and even murder in this show have been accused of being provocative to the extreme. This may encourage more violence or, worse still, show people exactly how it can be done.
- The romanticization of suicide: Critics have said that the series glorifies or glamorizes Hannah’s suicide. Parents fear that teenagers watching could develop suicidal ideas or attempt suicide themselves.
- Lack of resources: Some believe it needs to offer adequate follow-up. It can also support those individuals who may feel helpless or lost on issues portrayed in the video.
- Negative depictions of mental health: The show has been accused of the reinforcement of stigma and misconceptions. For example, about mental health, depression, and other mental issues that adolescents go through.
- Potential for contagion: Some people worry that the series might trigger “suicide contagion.” This is a concept that suggests that youths become more susceptible to suicidal thoughts after exposure to suicide cases.
Information about these possible risks is very important when going through any 13 Reasons Why parents guide.
Parents guide to 13 Reasons Why
13 Reasons Why is a series that has sparked significant debate and controversy due to its sensitive subject matter. As parents, it’s crucial to understand the content of the shows and movies your children watch. Let us review the 13 Reasons Why content and its potential impact on viewers parents must know.
Who is the audience for 13 Reasons Why?
The Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” targets young people, mainly adolescents and young adults. This target demographic is particularly drawn to the series for several reasons:
- Relatable themes: The series focuses on topical and significant topics for teenagers. These include bullying, loneliness, mental health issues, and interpersonal relationships.
- Emotional resonance: It explodes the various torments of the protagonist’s mind and his thoughts about the necessity of suicide. This can very closely affect young spectators who go through similar trials.
- Exploration of identity: The series shares experiences such as finding identity, human relationships, social status, and acceptance. These are components of teenage life.
- Relevance of social issues: It also tackles social issues, including sexual assault, harassment, and the effects of technology. And social media on mental health, among others.
Thus, due to the high amount of violence and graphic scenes in the show, 13 Reasons Why has been criticized for being unfit for teens.
13 Reasons Why age rating on Netflix
’13 Reasons Why’ is rated TV-MA (Mature Audience) in the USA, which means for adults only.
The TV-MA rating is due to the series’ inclusion of mature content, including:
- Graphic portrayals of death and suicidality, self-injury, and rape.
- Strong language and profanity
- Intense and graphic violence
The fact that such scenes are very graphic, including the suicide of Hannah Baker, has been a cause of controversy in the series.
That’s one of the reasons that, in 2019, Netflix decided to remove the original suicide scene of the first season of 13 Reasons Why. This was due to the complaints of people who believed that having a depiction of suicide on the show was not suitable for sensitive viewers.
13 Reasons Why content warnings
13 Reasons Why also contains many scenes with themes that may be disturbing and sensitive for viewers. Parents and guardians should be aware of the following 13 Reasons Why content warnings:
Drug use: The series depicts drug and alcohol abuse among high school students. Several episodes have scenes of teenagers getting drunk and others using drugs.
Self-harm: The movie contains several graphic scenes concerning self-harm, such as Hannah Baker. She attempted to commit suicide, and another character died by suicide.
Suicide: The last episode provides the audience with a graphic depiction of the main character, Hannah’s suicide. This was later edited by Netflix as it elicited controversy.
Sexual assault: The series deals with the issue of sexual violence. One of the episodes contains a scene of a violent rape which shocked the audience.
Nudity and sexual content: Despite not being very graphic, the series does feature some scenes that depict nudity and sexual intercourse among teenage characters.
Violence: Besides the suicide and sexual assault scenes, the series also includes physical aggression and intimidation between students.
Mental health issues: The show also features instances of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts as one of its main themes.
Parents should know that such scenes as suicide and scenes of sexual violence are very potent and can be very distressing to some viewers.
Why is 13 Reasons Why 18+?
The Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” is rated 18+ for several key reasons:
- Mature themes: The series deals with weighty and intricate matters deemed unfit for younger audiences. These matters include suicide, rape, substance use and abuse, and depression.
- Graphic scenes: The show contains realistic and graphic portrayals of themes such as suicide, self-harm, and sexual violence. These themes are considered inappropriate for children and adolescents.
- Emotional intensity: The series focuses quite a lot on the internal struggles of the characters and mental and emotional abuse. Most of the time, it can be very heavy and even triggering for young audiences.
- Language and mature content: The real-life violence, substance abuse, and sex are depicted strongly throughout the series and are not fit for children.
- Potential for harmful impact: Graphic depictions of suicide and other issues in “13 Reasons Why” may have such an effect as to encourage some vulnerable teenagers to emulate what they saw in the series.
The 18+ rating aims to protect the audience and ensure that only people who can understand and analyze the show can watch it.
What is the point of 13 Reasons Why?
13 Reasons Why is a thought-provoking and special series that depicts issues and raises many questions that are crucial for teenagers. Despite some gruesome scenes on the show, its fans laud the producers for presenting social issues in a way that makes them ponder what they have seen.
For teens:
- Self-care awareness: The show chronicles countless moments of struggle for the protagonists, and the tragic story is all the more thought-provoking for her/his peers. Care for yourself, focus on your values, and be brave to face problems.
- Empathy: By exploring characters’ experiences, “13 Reasons Why” promotes compassion for others and reflection on the consequences of one’s behavior.
- Mental health focus: It also brings out the issue of mental health and the need to get support when having depression or thinking of suicide.
For parents:
- Deep understanding: Undoubtedly, 13 Reasons Why will guide parents to learn more about the complicated issues that teenagers face in modern society.
- Communication tool: Thus, the series is useful to begin seemingly unbiased discussions with their children about more significant issues.
- Warning signs: It informs parents about possible indications of child mental health problems or bullying or abuse that the child might be suffering from.
- Support importance: The show reflects the importance of caring adults’ involvement in teenage life.
This TV show uncovers reality reflection and depicts real-life situations that many adolescents find themselves in and seeks to draw attention to these problems. It’s also related to social commentary and brings into question various aspects of the modern life of teenagers, such as the effects of social media and their experiences in high school.
Inspirations on guiding your teen from 13 Reasons Why
Parents need to be open with their teens when discussing issues detailed in “13 Reasons Why.” It wants to educate its audience about the pressing problems that young people face today. Such problems include bullying, sexual violence, mental health concerns, and suicide.
Here are some potential discussion topics and suggestions:
- Mental health: Lead a discussion on the necessity of getting assistance for mental illnesses and the potential places to find it.
- Bullying among youths: Guide your teens to know the harmful effects of bullying and how to help those people who are suffering from the phenomenon.
- Consent and healthy relationships: Exploiting the series, one can talk about boundaries in relationships, respect, and consent.
- Social media impact: Examine how social media is used in teenagers’ daily lives and what negative effects it can bring.
- Suicide prevention: Stress non-acceptance of suicide and explain the signs that may indicate an increased risk of suicidal behavior and ways of preventing it.
The series contains intense imagery, so parents should consider their child’s emotional readiness to watch it. When it comes to younger audiences, it is wiser to show them occasional selected scenes from the series and have a chat about them.
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- App management: You can limit your child’s access to specific applications by blocking apps once a certain time limit elapses.
Well, that’s all about what we want to share with parents about the popular Netflix show – 13 Reasons Why and guide them to know what they can learn from this show. We highly suggest stay informed of new media trends today and encourage deeper and more frequent dialogue with your children about their daily activities and emotional state.
FAQs
Why is it called 13 Reasons?
The title of the series references the 13 tapes left behind by the 17-year-old protagonist, Hannah Baker, after committing suicide. Each episode is directed towards a person or an incident that shaped her decision, thereby becoming the basic building block of the 13 Reasons Why.
Is 13 Reasons Why based on a true story?
No, “13 Reasons Why” is not based on actual events or a true story, even though the concept is quite realistic. It is a film based on a young adult novel by Jay Asher and published in 2007. However, the series is based on real-life issues that many teenagers face.
Should parents allow their teens to watch 13 Reasons Why?
Better not. Whether parents should have 13 Reasons Why parental concerns also hinged on the teenager’s maturity level. Parents should preview it first and then discuss the show’s themes with them before deciding if their child is ready for it.
Is 13 Reasons Why family-friendly?
No. “13 Reasons Why” is not a family-friendly show. Because of the TV-MA rating and the themes such as suicide, sexual assault, and drugs, it is not for children or teenagers. Most “13 Reasons Why Parents Guide” suggests that young persons under 18 or persons sensitive to the contents of the series should avoid watching the series at all costs.
