According to the CDC, suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds. For every completed teen suicide, there are 25 attempts before on average. Teen suicide varies between males and females, and the causes of death depend on each individual situation. No one should feel the need to end their life, and no family, friend, community or school should have to experience it. These statistics and suicide in general are hard topics to uncover and talk about, which is why we commonly don’t. But the new Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” definitely does, and dives deep into the common and heart breaking issue that is occuring all around us. Let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture.
High school and the adolescent years are hard. Maturing, experiencing puberty, growing up, making friends and entering into “real life” is HARD. Everyone wants to fit in, be popular, be liked by the hot guys and well known by everyone. Let’s be real, that’s not how it all works. In reality, we all know that stuff doesn’t matter but when you’re that age, it’s THE only thing that matters. Am I the only one that cringes thinking about that awkward growing up phase? It is really really hard.
It’s easy to get lost and caught up in the wrong things. Not only is high school an introduction to higher education but also a welcoming introduction into real life – or in other words – sex, drugs, alcohol, social media, bullying, and the list goes on and on. There is a whirlwind of emotions and opportunities not only for the better but also for the worse. So why does this even matter? We are all on to bigger and better things in college, aren’t we?
The truth is, we are on to bigger and better things but all of the problems introduced to us in High School are on steroids in college. There’s a lot of sex, drugs, alcohol, social media, etc. all around whether its on campus or at the next frat party. These things aren’t necessarily bad, but only if we do them smartly and don’t abuse or take advantage of them. 13 Reasons Why is not shy when it comes to these topics, and although hard to watch and a bit disturbing–I definitely had to cover my eyes at parts–it is real. The Netflix series fully exposes suicide, rape, drugs, alcohol, social media and how they are so damaging and harmful, especially to teenagers and young adults.
There have been many harsh critics because of how explicit and graphic the series is, but at the same time we need to see these things. Some of these topics have become taboo, and are not addressed appropriately, therefore the issues just get worse and worse. These things just don’t happen in high school. Our own university has had many cases of sexual assault, and we can not hide or deny the presence of these things even though they are uncomfortable. 13 Reasons Why is spreading awareness, and advocating for better treatment of peers and the community.
Not only is the series highly addictive and intense, it provides a lot of truth we all should be aware of. Hannah Baker, age 17, commits suicide her Junior year of high school because of 13 reasons. Each reason, or each person, has a tape dedicated to them of what they did and how they harmed her. No teen or human should ever consider ending their life, and we all need to be a friend because there are people all around us that are struggling. These issues are REAL and are happening everyday, whether we like to think it or not. I highly recommend this new series to everyone and anyone, and promise it will be worth all the hours you binge on it.