Netflix study reveals shows like '13 Reasons Why' help bridge the conversation gap in families

There's been discussion lately about 13 Reasons Why, a Netflix series that has drawn in a growing viewership amongst teens and parents alike. I recently asked my teen about it. Were his peers watching the show? Indeed they are watching. At a recent gathering of moms at the local coffee shop, the series also popped up in conversation. Half of the group had begun watching. A few had finished the series. The discussion amongst the moms suggested that while it's a hard watch it certainly is one that helps open up uncomfortable conversations with their teens. 

Let's be clear, no parent I know is watching this WITH their kids. We're watching on our own time and because we're curious. But it is a show that is igniting conversation amongst adults and teens in their respected peer groups but also between parents and teens.

In a recent Netflix survey, 82% of Canadian parents have watched a show their teen watches just to feel closer to them. In general, 56% of parents in Canada feel it's tough to talk to teens but nearly all parents worldwide (93%) feel that watching shows their teens are watching will give them more to talk about. And guess what? 78% of the teens agree and welcome it. Yes, mom and dad, the kids actually don't mind that you have conversations with them! 

Shows like 13 Reasons Why, as well as other series like Friends, Supernatural, Breaking Bad and even Orange is the New Black reflect many issues that we face in our daily lives.  And when it comes to tough conversations like sex, suicide and stress, the study found that 65% of teens and 79% of parents agree that watching the same shows could help start a dialogue. Most teens (71%) feel that having their parents watch the same shows could help them understand what's going on in their lives. 

As parents of teens, we'd like to think our lines of communications are open. In our home, we've always stood by the thinking that if you can ask us anything and we'll give you a straight up answer from what we know and have have learned ourselves. But having said that, these are different times than when we were teens. There are some things we haven't experienced but we are willing to learn and try to understand together. 

13 Reasons Why is a Netlfix Original series that follows teen Clay Jensen, in his quest to uncover the story behind his classmate and crush, Hanna, and her decision to end her life. A series of tapes unvravel the mystery. Based on the YA novel of the same name, the series is executive produced by Selena Gomez. 

This social experiment clip was just released this morning by Netflix. Both parents and teens were interviewed about how shows can bridge that conversation gap. 

We found a helpful site that offers parents talking points created by SAVE.org and JED Foundation: Tips for watching New Netflix Series 13 Reasons Why Talking Points

Entertainment is the one of the easiest ways to open up conversation. Wondering what shows are appropriate? This might help guide you...