WARNING: Netflix Series: "13 Reasons Why"
Dear Parents/Guardians,
On behalf of the Wayne-Local Schools, we wanted to reach out and make everyone aware of an area of potential concern for our students. As many of you may already be aware, there is a series out on Netflix called “13 Reasons Why”. The show is a 13-hour series depicting strong and graphic themes of suicide, bullying, sexual assault, drug use and other social issues. The main character takes her own life as a way of ending her emotional pain. The popularity of this show just shows how vulnerable our youth can be and even “stable” youth can make impulsive, rash decisions when feeling over emotional. A poll estimates about 33-40% of our young people are watching the series and most without parent knowledge.
The show is causing a tremendous amount of controversy and concern for mental health experts. They believe the show could be more harmful than helpful because it does not address mental illness or show healthy alternatives to suicide. Additionally, mental health experts express strong concerns that copycat behaviors will be on the rise among vulnerable students who struggle with depression, have a history of self-harm, or history of suicidal thoughts. Mental health professionals believe the series gives students a glorified view of suicide.
We strongly encourage you to check out the following resources before you make a decision about allowing your child the view this series with you. Our intent is not to induce panic but to create awareness.
News Stories-Many out there but here is one.
http://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/tv/netflix-series-13-reasons-why-glorifies-suicide-mental-health-experts-n749551
PARENT TALKING POINTS – 13 Reasons Why-from the SAVE/JED Foundation:
https://www.jedfoundation.org/13-reasons-why-talking-points/
Additional Expert Resources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/promoting-hope-preventing-suicide/201704/13-reasons-why-13-reasons-why-isn-t-getting-it-right , Psychology Today
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/13-reasons-why-suicide-how-to-talk-with-your-teen-about-netflix-show/ , CBS NEWS
13%20Reasons%20Why%20is%20NOT%20getting%20it%20Right-Psychology%20Todayhttp://news.centerville.k12.oh.us/wat/2017/04/27/tv-series-for-parents-good-information/ For Families of Teens at Suicide Risk, 13 Reasons™ Raises Concerns, New York Times
13 Reasons Why: Should Parents Be Concerned About This Network Series?, Nationwide Children's Hospital
Suicide Warning Signs
https://www.yspp.org/about_suicide/warning_signs.htm
If you are worried about someone who is thinking of suicide, please call 911 or the crisis hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.
Dear Parents/Guardians,
On behalf of the Wayne-Local Schools, we wanted to reach out and make everyone aware of an area of potential concern for our students. As many of you may already be aware, there is a series out on Netflix called “13 Reasons Why”. The show is a 13-hour series depicting strong and graphic themes of suicide, bullying, sexual assault, drug use and other social issues. The main character takes her own life as a way of ending her emotional pain. The popularity of this show just shows how vulnerable our youth can be and even “stable” youth can make impulsive, rash decisions when feeling over emotional. A poll estimates about 33-40% of our young people are watching the series and most without parent knowledge.
The show is causing a tremendous amount of controversy and concern for mental health experts. They believe the show could be more harmful than helpful because it does not address mental illness or show healthy alternatives to suicide. Additionally, mental health experts express strong concerns that copycat behaviors will be on the rise among vulnerable students who struggle with depression, have a history of self-harm, or history of suicidal thoughts. Mental health professionals believe the series gives students a glorified view of suicide.
We strongly encourage you to check out the following resources before you make a decision about allowing your child the view this series with you. Our intent is not to induce panic but to create awareness.
News Stories-Many out there but here is one.
http://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/tv/netflix-series-13-reasons-why-glorifies-suicide-mental-health-experts-n749551
PARENT TALKING POINTS – 13 Reasons Why-from the SAVE/JED Foundation:
https://www.jedfoundation.org/13-reasons-why-talking-points/
Additional Expert Resources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/promoting-hope-preventing-suicide/201704/13-reasons-why-13-reasons-why-isn-t-getting-it-right , Psychology Today
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/13-reasons-why-suicide-how-to-talk-with-your-teen-about-netflix-show/ , CBS NEWS
13%20Reasons%20Why%20is%20NOT%20getting%20it%20Right-Psychology%20Todayhttp://news.centerville.k12.oh.us/wat/2017/04/27/tv-series-for-parents-good-information/ For Families of Teens at Suicide Risk, 13 Reasons™ Raises Concerns, New York Times
13 Reasons Why: Should Parents Be Concerned About This Network Series?, Nationwide Children's Hospital
Suicide Warning Signs
https://www.yspp.org/about_suicide/warning_signs.htm
If you are worried about someone who is thinking of suicide, please call 911 or the crisis hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.