Netflix gives “13 Reasons Why” series more viewer warnings

PanARMENIAN.Net - The conversations about 13 Reasons Why and its suitability for young viewers and the television landscape at large continues, but Netflix will address at least one concern: Content warnings, Mashable said.

The show, which dropped March 31, will now contain an overall warning advising viewer discretion for potentially troubling content.

In a press release, Netflix said:

There has been a tremendous amount of discussion about our series 13 Reasons Why. While many of our members find the show to be a valuable driver for starting an important conversation with their families, we have also heard concern from those who feel the series should carry additional advisories. Currently, the episodes that carry graphic content are identified as such and the series overall carries a TV-MA rating. Moving forward, we will add an additional viewer warning card before the first episode as an extra precaution for those about to start the series and have also strengthened the messaging and resource language in the existing cards for episodes that contain graphic subject matter, including the URL 13ReasonsWhy.info — a global resource center that provides information about professional organizations that support help around the serious matters addressed in the show.”

In April, mental health organization Headspace warned viewers against watching the show, describing the content as "dangerous" and "risky," while the National Association of School Psychologists recommended young viewers at risk not watch the show due to its explicit depictions of death by suicide and numerous triggers including bullying and assault.

Several episodes were originally released with warnings for sexual assault and suicide.

Regarding Season 1, marketing expert Eric Schiffer told Mashable that "13 Reasons Why should be walled-off from view by those under 13 because of its potential existential threat."

"But, it's mandatory for teenagers because it teaches them how modern day cruel actions can have a devastatingly deadly emotional and personal impact on kids in their life," Schiffer added.