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Update for Families: 13 Reasons Why Netflix Series

A new Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why has raised concerns among education and mental health professionals and we want to make sure parents and guardians are informed. This series has many damaging messages intertwined with a teenage love story. It depicts the challenges faced by the main character Hannah and ultimately her act of suicide as revenge. Many students have reported watching the series and are talking about it on social media. We want you to be aware of this due to the nature of the show and for the well-being of our students.

The film depicts suicide and yet does not show what people can do to help prevent a suicide. The majority of young people who experience bullying, death of a friend, sexual assault, or other events described in this film do not act on suicidal thoughts. There are healthy ways to cope including talking with a trusted adult and seeking mental health support. Most people go on to lead healthy, normal lives.

Talking points to assist parents in talking to youth about suicide as it relates to this film series*

  • Suicide is not a common response to life’s challenges or adversity.
  • Suicide is never a heroic or romantic act. The film portrays suicide as a romantic and revengeful act. Suicide is a tragedy.
  • In spite of the portrayal of a serious treatment failure in the film, there are many treatment options for life challenges, distress, and mental illness. Treatment works.
  • When you die, you do not get to make a movie about it. Leaving messages from beyond the grave is a dramatization produced in Hollywood and is not possible in real life.
  • Suicide affects everyone and everyone can do something to help if he or she see or hear warning signs that someone is at risk of suicide.
  • Talking openly and honestly about emotional distress and suicide is ok. It will not make someone more suicidal or put the idea of suicide in his or her mind. If you are concerned about someone, ask him or her about it.

*For the complete list of talking points created by SAVE, the nation’s first organization dedicated to the prevention of suicide, visit https://www.save.org/blog/tips-watching-new-netflix-series-13-reasons/

24/7 Crisis Resources

Benton County Crisis Line: 1-888-232-7192

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or TEXT: “LIFE” to 61222

If you are concerned about your child, please consult with a qualified mental health professional and the counselor at your child’s school.