New study reveals suicide rate increases after Netflix drama "13 Reason Why"

Young American suicides have risen nearly as much. a third in the month that followed the launch in 2017 of the popular TV series Netflix "According to a US study released Monday,

According to the researchers, the study had limitations and did not allow for establish a direct causal link between the "13 reasons" and the increase in the number of suicides, rate or exclude other factors.Another previous study had shown that viewing this program was badociated with a reduction in the risk of suicide. Some young adults self-harm

In April 2017, the suicide rate was 28.9% higher among young Americans aged 10 to 17. On the study of the number of suicides and trends observed during the pre years cedentes, a study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on Monday revealed.

The study found that suicide rates for 10-17 year olds were also higher in the rest of the world. each year, resulting in 195 additional suicide deaths from April to December 2017 compared to expectations based on previous data. The increase was mainly due to young boys, they said.

A Netflix spokesperson said the company had just seen the study and was reviewing it. "This is a topic of crucial importance, and we have been working hard to deal with this delicate issue responsibly," Netflix spokesman said.

Netflix achieved a turnover of $ 4.52 billion and generated 9.6 million additional subscribers in the first quarter of last year. 2019, exceeding expectations, the company said in a note to shareholders. The spokesman also said the research was at odds with a recent discovery by a team at the University of Pennsylvania.

In a survey of 18- to 29-year-olds, Pennsylvania researchers found that students were following the entire season 2 of "13 Reasons Why" were less likely to report self-destructive and suicidal thoughts than others who did not watch the show at all.

The show tells the story of a teenager who leaves behind a series of 13 tapes describing why she decided to take her own life. The last episode of the first season showed that she was cutting her wrists in a bathtub.

The graphic scene provoked a violent reaction from parents and health professionals, prompting Netflix in 2017 to issue additional warnings for viewers and direct them to support groups. the second season was released in May 2018 and a third season was commissioned by Netflix. Executive Chairman Reed Hastings defended the renewal of the third season at a shareholders' meeting in June 2018.

"13 reasons have been extremely popular and successful, its content is engaging. is controversial, but no one should look at it, "said Hastings.

NIH-supported researchers said their findings "should serve as a reminder to bear in mind the unintended consequences of depicting suicide, and to encourage the entertainment industry and the media to use the best with the subject. "

The study was conducted in several universities, hospitals and at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), which is part of the National Institutes of Health of the United States. United. The study was also funded by NIMH.

(Reuters Entries)

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