Mindframe commends Netflix for setting worldwide precedent with revision of ‘13 Reasons Why’ season one
Mindframe, would like to formally commend Netflix for the steps it has taken in editing explicit scenes from season one of '13 Reasons Why', consequently setting a worldwide precedent for entertainment media.
With this activity, Netflix has contributed to the production of a much safer series for vulnerable audiences including reducing the potential risk of copycat behaviour.
Everymind, Suicide Prevention Manager, Marc Bryant welcomed the news from Netflix today, indicating it reflected a monumental shift within the entertainment industry, showing a willingness to understand and engage with world leading suicide prevention experts.
“Mindframe welcomes the news of the reworked scenes from season one of 13 Reasons Why,” Mr Bryant said.
“This re-edit has led to the removal of content which portrays explicit suicide method and posed potential risk of copycat behaviour by vulnerable audience members.
“In line with Mindframe stage and screen best practice advice, the removal of this content serves as a protective factor for vulnerable viewers who engage with this popular series and also sets a worldwide precedent for entertainment media.
“Suicide is complex and means restriction is a major protective factor in suicide prevention.”
Everymind’s Mindframe program, funded by the Department of Health, supports safe media reporting, portrayal and communication about suicide, mental ill-health and most recently alcohol and other drugs.
The Mindframe guidelines are evidence-based and provide support around the use of contextual information regarding suicide and mental ill-health within entertainment and media.
According to Mr Bryant, critical considerations within these guidelines include audience impact, misconceptions and stereotypes to avoid as well as facts and statistics.
“Since the first series was launched, Netflix should be commended for working with world leading suicide prevention experts, including the Mindframe team at Everymind, in understanding this issue and consequently responding with the delivery of a much safer series,” Mr Bryant said.
“Netflix has set an important international benchmark of behaviour and Mindframe is calling all producers and entertainment media to draw from these positive changes, to work with us to help protect viewers and reduce the normalisation of suicide, by following our guidelines.
"Meanwhile, media who are covering this news are reminded that they should avoid detailing the method that has been edited out of the scene, as this would pose a copycat risk, much like Netflix was criticised for.”
For more information on Mindframe’s work with the stage and screen industry visit: https://mindframe.org.au/industry-hubs/for-stage-and-screen.
If you’re working on a project that portrays suicide or mental ill-health, get in contact with the Mindframe team: https://mindframe.org.au/contact-us.
If you feel impacted by this news, the following help-seeking information is available:
National 24/7 Crisis Services:
Lifeline: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 79 www.mensline.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 www.beyondblue.org.au
For media enquiries please contact:
Jessica Weiland
Everymind
Mobile: 0468969041
Email: [email protected]