Netflix series depicting suicide 13 Reasons Why has Canberra community concerned

The fictional Netflix series, called 13 Reasons Why, has just been renewed for a second season despite widespread concern about its impact on young people.

The ACT education directorate has warned school communities to be aware of the program and said it had the capability to offer professional support to affected students and staff.

Ms Leeson said it was very rare that suicide was depicted so graphically but it presented an opportunity to confront difficult issues.

"I understand where the fear is coming from but there is a very positive solution to this," she said.

"Educate yourself around these matters and issues, and the tough conversations."

Ms Leeson said if parents saw the graphic, violent rape scenes, underage drinking, bullying and suicide addressed all in one series, they could feel unskilled or underskilled to talk about it.

But Lifeline was there to help provide the community with the knowledge and resources to have those tough conversations.

"It's graphic, violent and confronting. I struggled to watch some of those scenes myself," Ms Leeson said.

"It's very rarely [that suicide is] graphically depicted in a drama or movie. We're used to seeing people executed, whipped, murdered and raped. We're used to seeing that. Not to seeing a suicide.

"From that sense, it's breaking ground in that area."

According to Headspace, since the debut of the series in Australia in late March, the youth mental health service had received a "growing number of calls and emails directly related to the program".

Headspace is urging school communities, parents, and mental health services to be aware of the dangers and risks associated for children and young people who have been exposed to the program.

The confronting content is also causing concern within the ACT's school community.

A spokesman for the education directorate said parents and guardians should talk to their children about the themes depicted in the series.

"Among all the comments and discussion, we understand that some of the themes have caused concern among certain members of the community," the spokesman said.

"We always recommend that parents and guardians talk with their children about any issues and raise with the school, or local providers, if they have concerns about the wellbeing of their child."

The spokesman said the directorate was confident they could offer students and staff "who may be having a difficult time or have been impacted by this new show" professional support.

"Young people are reminded that there are lots of places they can go for help and that they can speak to their teacher, principal or other school staff if they need support, or just need to talk about anything that is upsetting them."

Based on the 2007 book of the same title by Jay Asher, the series has been strongly debated internationally. There is wider concern the series glamorises suicide, which could contribute to a contagion effect.

University of Canberra assistant professor of psychology Vivienne Lewis, who is an expert in adolescent mental health, said while there was concern about the possibility of increased suicidality because of the themes, the important thing was to know help was available.

"As long as parents are aware of what their child is viewing, and are there to be able to answer questions and direct them to help, that's the important thing," Dr Lewis said.

"These sorts of shows do raise concerns, but it doesn't mean your child is going to go from ok, to suicidal. It's more the case they might be thinking it through, trying to understand the issue, which is an important part of development."

Dr Lewis said it was also important parents knew when to say no.

"It's ok to say to your child, 'I don't think you should be watching this, and the reason why is because I'm concerned about the message it's sending'."

A spokesman for Netflix said those working on the show were being advised by medical professionals and were mindful of the "intense themes and intended audience".

"Our members tell us that 13 Reasons Why has helped spark important conversations in their families and communities around the world," the spokesman said.

For crisis or suicide prevention, or if you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.