The new tv show ’13 Reasons Why’ debuted on Netflix last week.

If you’re going to tackle such a serious, important and sensitive issue that is forever present in modern day society, do it well. And in my belief, this show hasn’t taken the right approach.

The concept of the main character sending out tapes to 13 kids essentially telling them that they each influenced her death is wrong and misleading to viewers. It’s no-ones fault that people, especially teenagers, take their own life and if it is, it should in no way be explored in this way.

Many would say that the TV show is extremely important in this current time as it raises awareness of teen suicide and gets people talking about it rather than pretending it’s not happening, which is entirely correct. However, through sharing this character’s story and first hand witnessing her suffering, viewers have the potential to not only be incredibly disturbed, but could reflect upon their own lives and think that it’s somewhat normal to experience depression and anxiety after possibly similar circumstances. The target market for this show is teenagers themselves aged 15-20, so watching people in similar age, with similar situations and similar traits could be dangerous in that they are able to easily put their lives into the story.

Being MA 15+ does in no way stop those younger than 15 watching it. It’s concerning how easily accessible this show is on Netflix.

In my perspective, it’s as if they’ve made another teen-drama mystery type show with all the basic characters, love affairs and school drama and thrown suicide into the middle of it rather than follow the incredibly serious issue as it’s basis.

Sure generally speaking as a TV show it’s engaging, interesting, sad and gripping, but the overriding concept that isn’t properly tackled causes this show to be potentially dangerous.