Keeping Parents Informed: Warning Regarding Netflix Miniseries 13 Reasons Why...

Keeping Parents Informed: Warning Regarding Netflix Miniseries 13 Reasons Why...
Posted on 04/28/2017
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Dear Parents and Guardians:

This letter is to make you aware of the popular Netflix original series 13 Reasons Why. In the miniseries, which is based on a young adult novel of the same title by Jay Asher, released in 2007, high school student Hannah Baker, leaves behind 13 tape recordings detailing why she took her own life. Her former classmates are left to piece together Hannah’s final weeks.

The reason we are bringing this to your attention is we are concerned that many parents may not even know that their child is viewing this deeply emotional series, which is rated MA for mature audiences. While the series is fictional, young people can have a hard time discerning fiction from reality. We fear that after watching this series, some students may see suicide as a heroic or romantic act. This is counteractive to the message we have continued to send to our students that suicide is never the answer and that there are healthy ways to cope when having suicidal thoughts. While the story touches on important topics, the content is very graphic in nature. Although we do not encourage viewing, we believe it is critical for our children and youth to process this information with a trusted adult if they have watched it.

The series includes the following shortcomings:

  • There is no mention of behavioral health and treatment options.
  • The notion of suicide is glamorized.
  • There are no examples of help-seeking by the teens portrayed in the program.
  • There are several scenes depicting serious trauma, in which the teens do not seek help or resources, including rape, bullying, alcoholism and suicide.
  • The graphic portrayal of Hannah’s actual suicide was unnecessary and potentially harmful to young people facing challenges.

We encourage you to take a moment to find out if your child has read the book or viewed the series. If so, please use the show as an opportunity to talk about some of its complicated issues and open the door to create a safe atmosphere for your child to discuss his or her feelings and emotions. A list of talking points to help with the conversation is posted at https://www.save.org/13-reasons-why/.

Thank you for your attention to this very important matter. Should you feel the need for more information or support, please contact your child’s school counselor. In BISD, the health and welfare of all of our students is our first concern, and we know that you care about the wellbeing of your child as well as that of his or her classmates. Together, we can make a difference for all students in BISD.

If you or your child is in crisis and requires immediate assistance, please call the Gulf Coast Center Crisis Hotline at 866-729-3848, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or dial 911.

Additional Resources:
Suicidal Risk Factors and Warning Signs
The Jason Foundation

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