News Release
For Immediate Release: June 7, 2018
Contact: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078
Netflix Continues Its Irresponsible Actions
(Harrisburg) – With the announced renewal of yet another season of 13 Reasons Why, Netflix continues showing it has no concern for teen suicide. This show has been directly linked to teen suicides, yet Netflix turns a blind eye. Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) recently issued the following statement, just prior to the announcement of a third season of 13 Reasons Why, concerning Netflix’ irresponsible actions:
“Being a teenager is difficult enough without being specifically targeted with demoralizing messages such as are delivered through 13 Reasons Why. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2015 suicide was the third leading cause of death among persons aged 10-14 and the second among persons aged 15-34, yet Netflix believes it is okay to air a program that romanticizes teen suicide?? This is irresponsible and points to greed as the underlying principle behind the actions of Netflix. Google affirms these irresponsible actions by revealing that the search term “how to kill myself” spiked 26 percent after the first season of 13 Reasons Why! Yet, you have made the corporate decision to air a second season – this is outrageous and dangerous. Again, evidence that suicides have been directly linked to viewing 13 Reasons Why are not enough to alter this decision and points to corporate greed. Adding a disclaimer before the program is not enough!! If Netflix continues down this irresponsible path and chooses not to remove 13 Reasons Why from its show offerings, we will be left with no alternative but to encourage families to cancel their Netflix subscription. “
Netflix’ announcement is dangerous to the lives of too many teens. This lack of concern should be noted by all subscribers to Netflix.
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