Tuesday, Jun 13, 2017

Recently, 23-year-old Franco Alonso Lazo Medrano from Peru decided to end his life by jumping off his balcony. Before committing suicide, he left behind a collection of tapes for people so they could understand why he ended his life. Does his story sound familiar?

The incident has landed ‘13 Reasons Why’, a Netflix original teen drama series, at the centre of hot debate about the depiction of suicide on screen.

On April 17, Netflix posted a picture, promoting the series with the words: “It’s okay to be not okay”.

Facebook user John Carbery replied: “It is not okay, to be not okay. If you’re unhealthy — mentally or physically — seek medical help of some kind. This sentimental social media trash is part of the problem when it comes to the discussion on mental health. It can’t be fixed with a hashtag or an emoji.”

Twitter user @CristaaQuintos pointed out the role of mass media in projecting sensitive topics. She wrote: “You cannot talk about suicide on mass media so carelessly! @13ReasonsWhy”.

However, many young social media users seem to have a different take. Most said the show helped youngsters understand how not to treat their peers, while others said it raised awareness about depression and mental health.

Facebook user Emma Walker posted: “We have just finished watching this very powerful story, it definitely makes you think about how you treat others and the impact it has on them.”

On Facebook, some users said the series is educational. Sam Whiting wrote: “...this is such a powerful series, it needs to be shown in schools, so children can see the impact negative comments, bullying and so on, can have on a young person.”

Another Facebook user, Julie Sharp, wrote: “A massive round of applause to the actors, producers, directors and Netflix for the guts to portray such a sensitive subject... especially those that have gone through trauma of such magnitude, bravo!”

Twitter user @stayaskyscraper wrote: “I saw ‘13 Reasons Why’, and I understood a lot of things. Please be careful of what you say and do, and remember, suicide is not the answer.”

By Evangeline Elsa, Community Solutions Editor

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