Netflix responds to data connecting 13 reasons for the increase in the number of teen suicides

13 reasons why, a Netflix program exploring the causes of his protagonist's suicide, sparked a debate among the world of research about whether this had contributed to the rise in the suicide rate. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings reacted to this indictment after the first season by simply declaring that "no one has to look at it". less ruthless attitude.

"We just saw this study and look at it, which is at odds with that of the University of Pennsylvania last week," a Netflix spokesman told Gizmodo in an email on Tuesday. "This is an issue of crucial importance and we have worked hard to make sure we handle this sensitive issue responsibly."

The spokesman referred to an article detailing a study published in this month's Social Science and Medicine journal. This study would have revealed that among adults aged 18 to 29 surveyed, those who had completed the second season of the series, aired in May of last year, had beneficial effects. But adults surveyed who did not finish the season had a higher risk of suicide. This is not exactly the most reassuring conclusion given the opposition, but it slightly undermines the new study that is revitalizing the debate on the link between the issue and the growing number of suicides.

The latest research has been published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He found that in the nine months following the release of the show, there were 195 more suicides among young Americans aged 10 to 17 than expected compared to historical data.

Specifically, in April 2017, 190 months later, 190 young Americans died by suicide, about 30% more than the suicide rate five years ago, USA Today reported. But these results are not conclusive, other factors or events that may occur at about the same time the release of the program may be related to these suicides.

We still do not know how Netflix will respond exactly to the concerns of researchers and critics, but if we believe the story, it is unlikely that viewers cancel the show as a result of this distress.

If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 800-273-8255 or send a text message to the crisis line at 741-741.