'13 Reasons Why' Season 2 Is Treating Suicide Differently

“13 Reasons Why” season 2 will treat suicide much differently.

A warning video will play before the first episode, warning viewers that, if they are having suicidal thoughts and depression, that the show may not be for them.

The show was criticized for its graphic portrayal of teen suicide and its raw depiction of sexual assault, bullying and slut-shaming. Due to the global conversation around the series, Netflix partnered the Northwestern University to study the show’s effect on teenagers. They surveyed more than 5,000 people around the world.

The study shows 71% of young viewers found the show relatable. But more than half of parents wanted guidance from mental health experts to address the topics “13 Reasons Why” brings up. The study also found the show made young people feel more accountable for their actions. 73% said they were more considerate about how they treated people after watching. Netflix also created 13reasonswh.info as a help center for anyone struggling with these issues.

Season 2 of the show doesn’t have a release date yet, but it sounds like the creators are really taking the heady subject matter in the show seriously and are trying to use it as a tool, rather than a plot point.