The Hermiston School District is warning parents about 13 Reasons Why, a novel by Jay Asher, that has been converted into a Netflix miniseries, which have raised concerns among school administrators, school counselors, mental health as well as suicide prevention experts.
The series is about Hanna Baker, a 17-year-old who commits suicide and leaves behind recordings for 13 people to let them know how each played a part of her suicide. The series also covers topics like bullying, rape, drunk driving, and teens not speaking out against bad behavior/incidents.
The concern, according to the school district, is that young people watching may have a hard time differentiating between a TV series drama and real life, or may not be in a good mental state. Parents are encouraged to have open and honest
conversations with their children about the show as well as other topics that he/she might be wrestling with.
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) has suggestions for families to help parents initiate a conversation with their child such as:
Ask your child if they think any of their friends or classmates exhibit warning signs. Talk with them about how to seek help for their friend or classmate. Guide them on how to respond when they see or hear any of the warning signs.
Listen to your children’s comments without judgment. Doing so requires that you fully concentrate, understand, respond, and then remember what is being said. Put your own agenda aside. For the full list of suggestions visit the NASP website.
If you or someone you know needs emotional support, help is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; or 1-877-968-8491, the Oregon Youth Line.
To report anonymously student safety concerns, visit the Safe Oregon website or email tip@safeoregon.com or call 844-472-3367.
