Impact of ’13 Reasons Why’ on Youth Suicide Rates

Research Background

An international team of researchers conducted a study to analyze suicide rates before and after the release of the Netflix series ‘13 Reasons Why’. This series ignited significant media attention due to both its subject matter and the potential implications surrounding it. The 13-episode show narrates the reasons behind a 17-year-old girl’s tragic suicide.

Understanding Suicide Contagion

The phenomenon known as ‘suicide contagion’ is prevalent in psychiatric studies, where exposure to a suicide can lead to additional suicides. The concern regarding the risk of suicide among viewers of the show prompted extensive media discussions, which led researchers to investigate whether the series contributed to an increase in youth suicides following its airing.

Methodology of the Study

To conduct an objective analysis of suicide rates, researchers needed to identify the peak viewing period of the show. Although Netflix does not publicly disclose viewing statistics, the researchers utilized social media discussions to gauge public interest, finding that April 2017 marked a significant spike. They compared suicide rates across different age groups, including youths and adults, before and after this peak to identify any potential correlations. The findings were published in JAMA Psychiatry.

Study Findings

The research revealed an alarming trend: there was a 21% increase in suicide rates among girls aged 10 to 19 in the three months following the peak of social media interest in the show. For boys in the same age group, the suicide rate rose by 12%. Notably, no significant increases in suicide rates were observed in other age groups.

Conclusions and Recommendations

While the researchers caution that their findings do not definitively prove a causal relationship between the show and increased youth suicides, they express concern given that the affected demographic aligns with the age group portrayed in the series. This observation is potentially consistent with the concept of suicide contagion.

The researchers advocate for enhanced collaboration between entertainment creators and mental health professionals. They assert that “strong collaborations between different sectors could result in on-screen portrayals that not only do harm but act as a force for good in suicide prevention.”

Reference

Niederkrotenthaler T, Stack S, Till B, et al. Association of Increased Youth Suicides in the United States With the Release of 13 Reasons Why. JAMA Psychiatry. Published online May 29, 2019. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.0922.