Netflix Failed to Flag ‘Strong Suicide Themes’ For 13 Reasons Why

It took government intervention for Netflix to warn Australian parents about “strong suicide themes” in the first season of 13 Reasons Why.

The global streaming giant originally gave the confronting television series an MA15+ rating on the grounds it portrayed strong sex scenes and violence.

However, the Classifications Board reviewed the decision and ruled 13 Reasons Why should be restricted to people aged 15 years and over because of “strong suicide themes and sexual violence”. As a result, Netflix amended its consumer advice for Australian audiences.

The ratings watchdog said parents should be warned about the strong suicide themes given the show depicts – in graphic detail – the method in which main character Hannah Baker kills herself, according to documents released under freedom of information.