Degrassi: Does it really go there?

Introduction to Degrassi

Television shows like Degrassi Junior High and High were among the first pieces of media to explore topics of mental illness for a young audience. “If kids are talking about it in the school yard and in shopping malls, we should be talking about it on Degrassi." (paragraph 5). This is the motto of Linda Schuyler, creator of Degrassi, and according to Schuyler, Degrassi was created to discuss difficult topics in an entertaining and informative way for a young audience (Schuyler, 2022). This included a wide range of subjects, such as fitting in, relationships, family struggles, and more seriously, sexual assault, mental illness, and struggling with death and grief.  Over 30 years, four television shows, and her memoir, Schuyler has pursued this vision, eventually leading to the creation Degrassi's iconic slogan "Degrassi: It goes there."  

These sensitive topics must be discussed honestly and accurately to dispel stigma and create support for those impacted.