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Letters from Superintendent to Parents Concerning Netflix Series, 13 Reasons Why
Dear Parents and Guardians:
The intent of this letter is to make you aware of the popular Netflix original series "13 Reasons Why". The rating for this show is TV- Mature, which is not suitable for children under 17 years old. However, we are aware of its recent popularity among our students who are mostly younger than the age suggested.
Hannah Baker, the main character, makes a set of 13 tapes detailing her path towards suicide and highlights the individuals who she holds responsible. I took this show personally as a father of a teenager and a superintendent of 12 thousand scholars.
We have many students who struggle with anxiety, depression, and demonstrate self-injurious behaviors. Some of these behaviors are suicidal. We fear that the fictional Netflix series romanticizes suicide. I caution viewers because exposure to suicide or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of death, may spur those who struggle with mental health conditions to contemplate selfmutilation.
Certainly, Netflix does a powerful job of storytelling. However, the series includes the following shortcomings:
- There is no mention of behavioral health or treatment options
- Very limited examples of teens seeking help from adults and/or licensed professionals
- There are several scenes depicting serious trauma, in which the teens do not seek help or resources, including rape, bullying, alcoholism and suicide.
District personnel are prepared to assist students and families. We are paying close attention to signs of students who are at-risk. We encourage you to speak with your child to determine whether he/she 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 create a safe place for your child to discuss his or her feelings with you.
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) has issued educators and parents several cautions and considerations. Moreover, we are providing additional resources to support discussions about suicide with adolescents on our website. We urge parents to research the series to fully understand. A list of talking points is included to help with the conversation.
Through the Work of All,
Roberto Padilla, Ed.D
Superintendent
Resources/Advice to Teens and their Families
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide:
- Tell a trusted adult. If they do not help, tell another trusted adult. Keep telling adults until someone helps you.
- Call a suicide hotline (1-800-273-TALK/8255; 1-800-784-2433)
- Go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
- Call 9-1-1.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse or trauma:
- Tell a trusted adult. If they do not help, tell another trusted adult. Keep telling adults until someone helps you.
- Get help. Find a therapist who specializes in trauma. Healing is possible.
- Report the abuse or trauma to your state’s Department of Children’s Services and/or to the police.
If you or someone you know has experienced bullying:
- Tell a trusted adult. If they do not help, tell another trusted adult. Keep telling adults until someone helps you.
Resources about suicide can be found at:
Resources about depression can be found at:
Resources about childhood trauma can be found at:
Resources about sexual assault and/or PTSD can be found at:
Resources about bullying can be found at:
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!
