Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why to censor suicide scene

The Netflix original series based on the 2007, Jay Asher book of the same name, has just announced that they have reneged on their decision to broadcast the graphic final scene of their first season. The show that chronicles the aftermath of a teenager who takes her own life and mysterious video tapes appear on the doorstep of a classmate explaining the reasons why she had come to her decision. From its announcement back in 2017, the show had polarizing views on portraying such a sensitive yet triggering topic in a television format.

In the run up to the reales of their third season, the show’s creators recognized the positive impact the the show has had as a driving force in conversations centering mental health among young people, however, criticism about the final scene in particular have been most difficult to ignore.

In April 2017, the National Institutes of health undertook a study that implied a link between, the the rise suicide rates among teens between the ages of 10 to 17 and the airing of the show. Allegedly, a month after 13 Reasons why aired, the rate at which the epidemic rose was by a third. Catapulting a public concern by official and suggested modes of approach by parents and carers. 

Debate has erupted on the creators’ decision to re-edit the scene with some praising the movie and others staunchly against it