headspace and Netflix release resources to coincide with 13 Reasons Why

Due to the global impact and difficult themes depicted in the first series, headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, is encouraging young Australians and their parents to be safe and informed before watching the show.

headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said 13 Reasons Why had shone a light on tough and difficult topics, bringing them into mainstream discussions.

“Television shows can provide parents and schools the opportunity to have conversations with young people about important issues which is great, however, there is the potential for these conversations to do more harm than good,” he said.

“Our aim is to ensure that young people, parents and schools are supported and equipped to have constructive conversations about the themes that are depicted in the show.

“While we cannot and would not stop anyone from watching 13 Reasons Why, we can make sure people have access to helpful and safe information, and remind everyone that there is help available if required.”

headspace head of clinical practice Vikki Ryall said another key aim was to support young people who may be distressed by the show’s content.

“The likelihood that the content will be distressing or triggering for some viewers will depend on their individual life experiences and current circumstances. No two people will take exactly the same meaning or understanding out of the same episode,” she said.

“By providing young people with tips on how to watch the show safely and ensuring they know how to seek help we can ensure distressed viewers can be supported.”

Three tailored resources have been created to reach as many people as possible.

The resource for young people will provide tips on how to safely watch the show, how young people can look after themselves, and how to have helpful conversations with their friends and families.

The resources for parents and schools will provide information on how to have safe conversations about the show and how to respond to each of the difficult and tough themes appropriately.

Netflix have included warnings and help-seeking information before, and at the end, of each episode for this upcoming season of the show.

There is also a designated webpage where the resources will be housed along with a set of videos from the cast addressing issues depicted in the show, and detailed help seeking information for young people.

The tailored resources will be made available on the 13 Reasons Why website – 13reasonswhy.info and the headspace website - headspace.org.au just prior to the launch of the second season on May 18.