’13 Reasons Why’ Banned In Colorado After An Increase In Suicides

13 Reasons Why has sparked intense controversy, with some saying the series is a fantastic way for kids to talk about depression, suicide, and sexual assault. Others, however, feel the series has glamorized suicide and created further problems, making it look like the ultimate revenge to get back to your bullies. Amid the controversy, one Colorado school district has decided to ban the books after a wave of teen suicides hit the area.

Recently, seven students have killed themselves in that school district alone. As a result, the school has pulled the book from its shelves.

However, not everyone agrees with this decision. One school librarian spoke up.

“Once we start pulling and censoring books for all students as a reactive measure there is no line to which we follow.”

There is no evidence, however, that the suicides in the school district were related to the book or the current hit Netflix series. Accord to reports, 19 of the 20 copies of the book the district owned were checked out at the time, meaning they could not ban those until they were returned to the library.

Several schools have warned that 13 Reasons Why, particularly the Netflix series, sensationalizes suicide and doesn’t give kids another way out to cope with their problems.

One of the librarians, however, stated that the book was made available again after they had determined it was not as graphic as the Netflix series, which they do not recommend to students.

“I think we were just being cautious until we had the opportunity to look at the book and see how closely related to the movie it was. I believe it is our duty to follow that process, because censorship is a slippery slope,” they said.

While there has been increased backlash surrounding the material of the series, many cast members and producers of the series have stated that they have received feedback stating that after watching 13 Reasons Why, many teens said this is the first time they have ever felt heard. Alisha Boe, who plays Jessica Davis, also stated that she received several messages from fans who told her that because of the fact that Jessica gets sexually assaulted in the series, they finally had the courage to tell their friends and family about a sexual assault that happened to them.

Katherine Langford, who plays the main role of Hannah Baker in Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why, recently went on The Tonight Show where she explained why she felt that the producers, directors, and cast tried to be as responsible as possible when creating the series.

“Being directly involved in the show and seeing the thought and consideration hat went into it – also being a young adult playing a young adult and covering issues that are relevant, I feel really proud of the way we covered it and showed things.

“The other cool thing with Netflix is – yes, we made this piece of entertainment and there was a focus on trying to show it in a way that served justice to the message in the book, but then I feel that they’ve taken responsibility in the after care.”

The cast and crew created a 30-minute special discussing the series which is available on Netflix for anyone interested in viewing it. It also talks about some of the issues the show explores with psychologists and psychiatrists who specialize in helping teenagers.

The crew also created a website in conjunction with the series that they hope will help young people find mental health resources if they need them. Katherine Langford has shared the website on her Instagram, which has become wildly popular since her appearance on 13 Reasons Why.

[Featured Image by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images]