Exploring how teens, young adults and parents responded to 13 Reasons Why

 

Exploring how teens, young adults and parents responded to 13 Reasons Why

A few weeks ago, a classmate post a blog about the show 13 Reasons Why and since I have watched it and I think a lot of you too, I wanted to share some research I found about it and know if you agreed with it, or what are your thoughts about it?

I have found a study that after the show lived, they examined the responses of adolescents, young adults and parents of 13 Reasons Why in four global regions: Australia/New Zealand, Brazil, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US). The questions in all regions were identical, but the results were examined separately due to cultural, educational and mental health support differences. 

The goal of this study was to examine how adolescents and young adults in four different regions, perceived related to and were reportedly influenced by the Netflix series, a show that features “tough topics” in its narrative. They targeted research questions were:

• Did adolescent and young adult viewers find the show and characters to be relatable?

• Did watching 13 Reasons Why increase viewers’ understanding of the tough topics included in the program?

• What are parent, adolescent, and young adults’ attitudes toward 13 Reasons Why?

• Did watching 13 Reasons Why relate to changes in viewer behaviour, such as reaching out or apologizing to classmates?

• Did watching 13 Reasons Why support conversations with peers, parents, teachers, or counselors about the topics included in the program?

• Do these relationships differ based on the individual viewers’ characteristics?

The results were:

1. 13 Reasons Why resonated with teens and young adults in all four regions, and they felt it was beneficial for them and people their age to watch. Even tho, they reported that people their age deal with issues similar to those portrayed in the show. 

2. The show provided teens, young adults and even parents in all regions with information about difficult topics, like that someone might be suffering from depression even if they do not see the signs, or that there are lots of different reasons why people commit suicide. 

3. In all four regions, adolescents and young adults reported seeking information about tough topics after the show exposure. 

4. While there were graphic and intense scenes in the show, teens and young adults viewers in each region were generally not opposed to the way the show dealt with these tough topics, like the graphic nature of Hanna’s suicide. 

5. In all four regions, viewers reported helping others and engaging in other empathetic behaviours after watching the show. Reaching out to apologize for how they treated someone after watching the show (45%-60%).

• Age 13, Male, US: “I talked to my fiend about a kid in my class who gets bullied a bit, and we both agreed to stand up for him the next time it happens”. 

6. Watching the show supported conversation in all regions. Half of parents viewers who discuss the show with their children reported that the show made it easier for them to have conversations about rough topics with their children. Also, adolescents reported that the show helped them feel more comfortable talking about these difficult topics with friends, parents, counselors, and teachers. 

• Age 41, Female, Brazil: “it allowed an open dialogue about current issues related to the reality faced by our teens. I feel that with each conversation, besides the fact that the exchange of experiences brought me closer to my daughter and increased the love we feel for each other, our mutual trust was strengthened”. 

• Age 15, Male, UK: “Me and my friend talked about the consequences of our actions and how what we do can impact the lives of others severely as we don’t know what they are going through”. 

7. Individual characteristic of the viewers influence in their responses to the show. There were individual differences in age, resilience, and social anxiety (measured variables). Considering that, it is important to think about how exposure to the show relates to viewer outcomes. 

8. Beyond the Reasons (last episode of the first season) was a good start…but further support and resources are requested. Teens and young adults thought there should be more discussion in the show of what viewers could do to help those around them who may be suffering. Parents also wanted more resources, including having mental health professionals provide resources at the end of difficult episodes and the cast coming out of character to provide resources at the end of specific episodes

• Age 16, Female, Australia/New Zealand “We discussed the show’s themes during my psychology class. We talked as a class about our feeling about the show and resources that were available to help each other”. 

In conclusion, these findings highlight the complex but positive role that media, particularly shows like 13 Reasons Why, can play in adolescent development. It shows that adolescents and young adults across different cultures not only comprehend and relate to difficult topics such as mental illness, suicide, and bullying, but often engage in meaningful conversations about them with parents, peers, and educators after viewing. Younger adolescents and those with higher social anxiety were especially likely to report personal growth, empathy, and increased communication following exposure to the show. However, the research also emphasizes a significant gap: while viewers appreciated the authenticity of the content, they consistently called for more support resources to help process the issues presented. Media can be a useful tool for education and emotional growth, considering age-appropriate support systems and follow-up content.

In my opinion, based also on these study, 13 Reasons Why demonstrates how powerful media can be in addressing difficult, often stigmatized topics like mental health, suicide, and bullying, especially for adolescents who may feel alone in their struggles. The fact that so many teens reported feeling understood, more empathetic, and motivated to talk about these issues after watching the show speaks to its emotional impact. However, while the show succeeded in encouraging conversation, it could have done more to provide guidance and support for viewers who might be emotionally vulnerable. Graphic content can be necessary for realism, but without proper context and resources, it risks doing more harm than good. Overall, I believe shows like this have great potential to educate and empower young people, but only if they're created with care, balance, and follow-up support.

Lauricella, A.R.; Cingel, D.P.; Wartella, E. Exploring How Teens and Parents Responded to 13 Reasons Why: Global Report; Center on Media and Human Development, Northwestern University: Evanston, IL, USA, 2018; pp. 1–14.