Discussing the popular Netflix series 13 Reasons Why has been banned in several schools across Canada over concerns that the series glamorises suicide.
According to Variety in the days following the series release multiple Canadian school boards have warned parents about the graphic nature of the series with St. Vincent Elementary School in Edmonton, Alberta, banning kids from mentioning the show at school.
An email sent to parents ‘the show includes graphic violence (rape) and gore, profanity, alcohol/drugs/smoking, and frightening/intense scenes’ and for that reason discussing the show has been banned.
One school board has taken things even further with the Hamilton Wentworth District accusing the show of glamorising suicidal behaviour and depicting those who may be able to help in a negative light.
Meanwhile the organisation School Mental Health Assist has urged teachers not to use the show as educational material as the content is graphic and ‘potentially triggering for vulnerable young people’.
Not all schools are banning talking about the show though and The Community Suicide Prevention Network of Ottawa has actually suggested that parents talk to their kids about the themes of the show, and ask them what would they have done differently.
Without editorialising too much it should be noted that Netflix have made clear in their terms and conditions that ‘you must be 18 years of age, or the age of majority in your province’ to use the service and that ‘minors may only use the service under the supervision of an adult’.
So maybe the schools should ask the parents why they’re letting their kids watch the show as opposed to banning talk about a very real subject.
More of a concept than a journalist, Tom Percival was forged in the bowels of Salford University from which he emerged grasping a Masters in journalism.
Since then his rise has been described by himself as ‘meteoric’ rising to the esteemed rank of Social Editor at UNILAD as well as working at the BBC, Manchester Evening News, and ITV.
He credits his success to three core techniques, name repetition, personality mirroring, and never breaking off a handshake.