Netflix have announced that they’ve cut the controversial suicide scene from season one of their show 13 Reason Why – but many took to Twitter to say how annoyed they were with their decision.
The US show, which originally aired two years, centres around the decision by a teenage pupil, Hannah, to take her own life after sending out taped messages to everyone she blames.
At the time the scene caused controversy that it was too real and young teenagers were at risk of copying it, however others said that it was a great way to approach the subject of mental health with children.
However, today the streaming service announced via Twitter that after they consulted with medical experts and heard from viewers, they had made the decision that the clip should be cut.
Many took to Twitter to complain about the decision, with many questioning ‘why now?’ and other saying that the show will no longer be an ‘authentic’ as ‘suicide isn’t a glamorous or an easy way out.’
The show, which originally aired two years, centres around the decision by a teenage pupil, Hannah (pictured in the show) to kill herself after sending out taped messages to everyone she blames
Many took to Twitter to complain about the decision, with many questioning ‘why now?’ and other saying that the scene shouldn’t have been edited
In a statement on Tuesday morning Netflix said on Twitter: ‘We’ve heard from many young people that 13 Reasons Why encouraged them to start conversations about difficult issues like depression and suicide and get help — often for the first time,’
‘As we prepare to launch season three later this summer, we’ve been mindful about the ongoing debate around the show.
‘So on the advice of medical experts, including Dr. Christine Moutier, chief medical officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, we’ve decided with creator Brian Yorkey and the producers to edit the scene in which Hannah takes her own life from season one.’
But many thought the decision was wrong, with one saying: ‘Bad call. It needs to be graphic because suicide isn’t glamorous or an easy way out. Be authentic.’
In a statement on Tuesday morning Netflix said that they will be editing the suicide scene from season one – two years after it originally aired
‘Parents should use it as a tool for conversation. Get to know your kid. Keep the lines of communication open. “Experts” are still just people with opinions.’
While another tweeted them to say: ‘@netflix Its disrespectful not to show the gruesomeness, sadness and pain of the suicide. Its supposed to be upsetting and guttural, the show was incredible and devastating.
‘Editing the scene will make it easier to watch and not show the realism and suffering of an event like this.’
Another agreed saying: ‘Understand Hannah’s suicide scene may have been triggering for many, but suicide IS tragic. It is very much disturbing and painful to watch, but it’s REAL. There’s nothing beautiful about it, and it shouldn’t be sugar coated. I think it was an important scene. A sad reality.’
The first season of 13 Reasons Why was not prefaced by any warnings about its content and the supplemental materials available online were dubbed lacking by many psychologists.
Many Twitter users were annoyed that they hadn’t taken action sooner but other were happy with the edit
However, some thought it was about time: ‘If their team listened to the mental health professionals who advised them against this scene in the first place, they’d be saving some time now.’
Congratulating the streaming service, another said: ‘Big step Netflix! Thank you for editing!’
While others wondered why it had taken them two years to make the decision: ‘Way late. Still, glad it’s gone. Never, ever should have existed, and this remains one of the most triggering shows ever created.
Another said: ‘It’s a bit too late now…stop making the show. We can talk about mental health and suicide without dramatizing and glorifying it.’
Producers of the second series, released in May 2018, added a disclaimer which urges young viewers to watch with a trusted adult and highlights the importance of seeking help
The main character in Netflix show 13 Reasons Why used tapes to record why she had committed suicide
While another commented on it by tweeting: ‘This is the stupidest and most delayed reaction ever— not only is that scene 2 years old but it now lives forever on the internet and has been meme’d to death. congrats on achieving… absolutely nothing.’
The first season was not prefaced by any warnings about its content and the supplemental materials available online were dubbed lacking by many psychologists.
Last year a survey by the University of Michigan, which spoke to 87 teenagers who attempted suicide in the past year revealed that half of those who saw the show believed it ‘increased their suicide risk.’
The research, published in the journal Psychiatric Services, also revealed teens who watched the program did not speak to adults about the suicide theme.
Producers of the second series, released in May 2018, added a disclaimer which urges young viewers to watch with a trusted adult and highlights the importance of seeking help.