A mum whose daughter took her own life says a Netflix TV show is to blame

Katherine Langford stars as Hannah in 13 Reasons Why (Photo: Netflix)Katherine Langford stars as Hannah in 13 Reasons Why (Photo: Netflix)
Katherine Langford stars as Hannah in 13 Reasons Why (Photo: Netflix)

The mother of a 12 year old who took her own life in 2017 has warned fellow parents against allowing their children to watch the Netflix TV series, 13 Reasons Why.

The already controversial programme focuses on the story of a teenager who posthumously explains her own suicide via 13 video recordings.

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Rachael Warburton - mother of Jessica Scatterton, who died in April 2017 - told the Mirror that her daughter watched 13 Reasons Why.

"Jessica was watching this show with her friends and listed six reasons why she wanted to die," said Ms Warburton.

"It should be banned, because my daughter watched it and it gives children the idea to self-harm.

"Its intentions are to raise suicide awareness but I believe it encourages young people to commit suicide. All Jessica's friends were messaging each other discussing the series. Parents should be warned not to let their children watch it."

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Kate Langford as Hannah and Kate Walsh as her mum in 13 Reasons Why (Photo: Netflix)

'Keep a closer eye on your kids'

Made available on Netflix in March 2017, 13 Reasons Why predominantly has a 15 age rating, apart from four episodes declared 18.

Ms Warburton believes there should be stricter parental controls in place on the streaming platform, but concedes that parents should pay attention to the programmes their kids are consuming.

“I don’t want another parent to go through what we have. I urge everyone to keep a closer eye on what children are watching online," she told the Mirror.

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Netflix has defended 13 Reasons Why, which is still available to watch.

A Netflix spokesperson said, "It is a critically important topic and we have worked hard to ensure that we handle this sensitive issue responsibly."

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