Psychologists warn teen series Dead girls do not lie may trigger suicide

Psychiatric specialist societies strongly advise against consuming the series
The TV series "Dead Girls Do not Lie" thematizes the suffering and suicide of a young girl and is one of the most talked-about formats due to the drastic and romanticized presentation. In Germany already first suicidal crises and even suicides are known, which are to be in direct relation to the series.

Therefore DGKJP and DGPPN comment on the significant risks and negative consequences of the consignment. In particular mentally unstable and vulnerable young people are strongly advised against using the series.

Since March in Germany, the US TV series "Dead girls do not lie" retrievable. She describes in detail the stressful circumstances that the adolescent protagonist is exposed to before she finally kills herself. The girl leaves audio tapes in which she settles accounts with individuals who directly blame her for her suicide. The presentation of the suicide itself is explicit and disturbing. The suicide is presented as a last resort and romanticized. The school locker of the girl is converted by her classmates to the shrine, the suicide receives posthumously an appreciation.

(Image: Viacheslav Iakobchuk / fotolia.com)

In a joint statement DGKJP and DGPPN practice clear criticism of the TV series. Accordingly, international research has clearly shown that a detailed and drastic presentation of suicides significantly increases the risk of counterfeiting, especially for vulnerable and suicidal people (so-called Werther effect). At the same time, the series ignores international guidelines and recommendations on the presentation of suicides in the media.

The professional societies are also increasingly confronted with reports of suicide attempts and consummate suicides of adolescents directly linked to the consumption of the series. They therefore strongly advise mentally unstable and vulnerable young people from consuming the series.