Why Schools Are Warning Parents About Netflix’s Series 13 Reasons Why
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Schools across the country are issuing warnings to parents about Netflix’s latest original series, 13 Reasons Why, over concern that the breakout teen drama could glamorize teen suicide.
So where does the concern lie with the critically well-received show – and why are schools getting involved?
What is the show?
13 Reasons Why – which hit the popular streaming platform on March 31 – draws its plot from Jay Asher’s 2007 young adult novel of the same. The show’s episode count matches its title, with each installment following a series of audio recordings a teen leaves behind for her classmates and peers explaining why she decided to kill herself.
Every episode jumps between the past and present, profiling how each tape subject impacted Hannah’s (Katherine Langford) decision to take her life.
13 Reasons Why was executive produced by Selena Gomez, and originally intended to be a mini-series, though there are rumors of a second season.
Why is it controversial?
Throughout the series, there are instances of sexual assault, rape, underage drinking, driving under the influence, body shaming and, ultimately, a graphic scene depicting Hannah’s suicide.
What are schools and mental health experts saying?
In a public statement, the National Association of School Psychologists issued a warning against viewing the series to parents of “vulnerable youth.”
“Its powerful storytelling may lead impressionable viewers to romanticize the choices made by the characters…