Media Regulation: Case Study, "13 Reasons Why"

- Details about the movie (who created it/ distributed it/ directed it/ when did it come out / what platforms was it available on?)

created by - Brian Yorkey based on 2007 Novel by Jay Asher

distributed by - Netflix

released - 31 March 2017

available on - Netflix 

- Where was it released? What countries?

released internationally, in countries that netflix operates in

- What was the controversy about?

the contreversy mainly focused on its graphic portrayal of suicide, sexual assault, bullying, and mental health

critics argued that the show romanticised suicide and could negatively affect young viewers

Officials were also concened that the show suggested suicide was a 'logical' response to bullying and trauma, rather than showing the role of mental illness and the possibility of recovery

The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand said the show could encourage discussion, but only if adults helped guide those conversations safely. 

 Some viewers believed the show realistically reflected teenage struggles, while others thought it relied too heavily on shock value and sensationalism. 

- What rating did the NZ classifications board give it? Why?

New Zealand’s Office of Film and Literature Classification gave the first season an RP18 rating. This meant viewers under 18 could only watch it with a parent or guardian present.

Officials said New Zealand has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the OECD, making the issue especially serious in a New Zealand context.

The Office also required Netflix to add stronger warnings before episodes and provide mental health support information and helpline contacts.

- What was the rating in other countries?

USA - TV-MA

Australia - MA15+

United Kingdom - 15

Canada - 14A/18A (depending on province)

- comment on the challenge of regulating online content 

different countries have different cultural values and rules

streaming platforms ae harder to regulate becase the content is hosted internationally

people can access online content privately

harmful content can spread quickly on the internet before regulators have time to respond