Netflix's controversial 13 Reasons Why drama series was blamed for a recorded spike in US teen suicides, and a British mother blaming the TV show for her daughter’s death will alarm parents here.
Heartbroken care support worker Rachael Warburton’s call for no child to watch without an adult present deserves careful consideration after her 12-year-old, Jessica Scatterson, killed herself after watching the suicide series.
There are also issues of age ratings and enforcement. Most episodes are 15s and only a few 18s, the lower warnings perhaps lulling some families into a false sense of security.
Mum of youngest Manchester Arena attack victim reveals daily struggle to "carry on"
Suicide is a devastating, complex issue but we are fully aware how sensitively it must be tackled. Guidelines issued by the Samaritans warn that details are dangerous because they could potentially influence the vulnerable.
Before this programme aired, a suicide expert advised Netflix not to show it, and now a grieving mother is calling for a ban.
It is time for those in positions of responsibility to think about their wider social obligations and consider taking this drama off air.
