A NEW Netflix drama ‘glamorises’ suicide and could pose a risk to vulnerable people according to suicide prevention charity Papyrus.

The Warrington-based organisation has warned people to be vigilant when watching the show Thirteen Reasons Why, based on a bestselling novel.

It tells the story of the aftermath of a teenager’s suicide and shows her friends listening to tapes she has made explaining why she decided to take her own life.

Ged Flynn, chief executive of Papyrus, said the drama could make suicide seem like an inevitable and even acceptable solution to vulnerable people struggling with different issues.

He said:”We hear on our helpline from parents, children and young adults who are at risk or who are worried and don’t know how to approach the subject.

“People have been getting in touch to voice their concerns, that this is a romantic and glamorous view of suicide. If we romanticise suicide we attract people to it and it almost validates it for people who are already vulnerable.”

He pointed out that many youngsters watch Netflix alone on their laptops late at night, rather than in a supportive environment.

And he said the show could simply make viewers feel sad because of its distressing storyline.

“I think it can create sadness and hopelessness,” he added.

“We believe life will throw challenges at young people, that’s inevitable. But what isn’t inevitable is suicide.

“The reality is much more tragic and complex.

“We are not knocking the people who produced this show because it was probably well intentioned and Papyrus wants people to talk about suicide.

“But suicide is often portrayed as an easy solution to a difficult plot line.

“Often it is presented as an inevitable consequence of being ashamed or stuck or trapped. People feel these things very often. If this is the message they are taking from very well produced, easily consumed media we are going to see an increase in suicide.”

He pointed out that any programme which shows the method of suicide and self-harm may be breaking the Ofcom code and people creating those scenes run the risk of prosecution.

“Our message to parents and concerned people is that if you know someone who may be vulnerable, there is a possibility this show could make them feel very sad.

“People should not sit alone with those feelings - please call or text our helpline, we are warm and friendly people.”

Call the helpline on 0800 068 4141 or visit papyrus-uk.org for help or information.