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Netflix's 13 Reasons Why sparks concern about suicide

Posted at 11:39 PM, May 03, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-03 23:56:09-04

A new show out on Netflix is getting some backlash across the country and prompting some warnings right here in the Detroit metro area.

The show is called 13 Reasons Why, it’s about a 17 year old girl who commits suicide and the tapes she leaves behind for the people she said caused her to do it.

The Oakland County Health Department shared educational information about suicide in light of the show, including a list called 13 Reasons Why Not.

A youth minister at St. Anastacia Church in Troy sent a letter home to parents after watching the show, and hearing from many of his students they had watched it.

"I looked into it a little bit and got the opinion of the core and watched some episodes,” said youth pastor, Andrew Cipolla.

He said he was worried by some of themes and he wanted parents to be aware their kids are watching.

"My main concern is that the hero is a girl who has committed suicide, she's the hero, she's the protagonist,” he said.

"She gets glory out of killing herself,” said Cipolla.

The show’s creators have said in interviews that the show is meant to start dialog about suicide.

Which is what Cipolla hopes parents do, along with watch the show, so they can be informed.

“It could be a good thing to watch it as a family and start that dialog and bring up those conversations,” said Cipolla.

Netflix has also added more warnings to the show.

If you’re having suicidal thought, there’s always help, a phone call away.  1 (800) 273-8255.