Warning: This article discusses suicide.
A UK woman is pleading with parents not to let their children watch 13 Reasons Why after her daughter took her own life in a heartbreaking copycat suicide.
Jessica Scatterson was found dead in her bedroom in 2017, two days before her 13th birthday. She'd been avidly watching the teen-targeted show, which had premiered on Netflix three weeks earlier.
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13 Reasons Why centres around a teenage girl who kills herself and leaves tapes detailing why she did it - and which of her friends and classmates were at fault.
The show, which has been renewed for a third season, was criticised for promoting irresponsible ideas around suicide, including framing it as a form of revenge and as the logical conclusion to a list of "reasons".
In the days before her death, Jessica told her mother Rachael Warburton she'd been watching 13 Reasons Why. It seemed insignificant until a note was found with her body that seemed to have been inspired by the show.
"Jessica was watching this show with her friends and listed six reasons why she wanted to die," Ms Warburton told The Mirror.
The grieving 33-year-old believes the programme is extremely dangerous for young, easily influenced viewers.
"It should be banned, because my daughter watched it and it gives children the idea to self-harm."
Ms Warburton says Jessica and her friends were all messaging each other about 13 Reasons Why in the weeks leading up to the tragedy.
"Parents should be warned not to let their children watch it," she told The Mirror.
Last week a US study found there was a significant spike in suicide rates in the months after the show premiered on Netflix.
Where to find help and support:
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
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