Recently, HBO Max released the first episode of the second season of Euphoria and concerns about the drug use on the show is affecting viewers.

NPR.org describes the show as “Centered on a group of high school-age friends — each with their own problems handling an excess of drugs, drink and sex”(NPR.org). The show follows Rue, the main character portrayed by Zendaya, taking an array of drugs such as cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin. These drugs are accepted as being able to make a person feel worthy and allow the viewer to have an understanding of what being “high” is like, but this can become dangerous. 

“Adolescents, Tucker explained, haven’t completely formed their own identities, so they’re more likely than adults to be in a state of experimenting and modeling behaviors, of shaping their world based on their observations of the world. In developing their own identity, they look at their peers and their “super peers,” and normalize or incorporate what they see in movies, music, and TV into their real lives. If an attractive character on TV drinks or smokes, they are at risk of drinking and smoking, too, even if logic tells them otherwise.” (Hopkins Medicine).

Euphoria has an incredible amount of young viewers who can be easily influenced by the alcohol and drugs that are used in the show. The stunning production of the show presents these substances as a happy and enjoyable experience, but on the other hand, the show does illustrate  the horrible effects of Rue’s cocaine addiction. They show only the negative effects it has on the people around her and her unsuccessful overdose. Euphoria’s ability to portray the terrible effects of the drugs are completely misconstrued  by the creators ability to show the substances as a euphoric experience.

Zendaya released a statement on both Twitter and Instagram to her 141.7 million followers, “I know I’ve said this before, but I do want to reiterate to everyone that Euphoria is for mature audiences. This season, maybe even more so than the last, is deeply emotional and deals with subject matter that can be triggering and difficult to watch. Please only watch it if you feel comfortable. Take care of yourself and know that either way you are still loved and I can still feel our support. All my love, Daya”.

Even though this statement was issued it would not and will not stop younger audiences to watch the show. So how do we create a safer environment for children while still bringing attention to important matters?