’13 Reasons Why’ sparks conversation on portraying mental health

The show depicts the events that follow the suicide of teenager Hannah Baker, who leaves cassette tapes for 13 people who she claims played a part in her life, and ultimately her death.

Parents across the country are asking whether this show is appropriate for teens.

Deputy Chief Censor Jared Mullen said if teenagers wanted to watch 13 Reasons Why, they needed to be able to discuss the issues raised with a responsible adult.

Mental health organisations criticised its inclusion of a graphic suicide while officials at some schools in the USA have sent out letters to parents warning them about the show’s content.

CNN reports the series prompted counselors at Shawnee Mission South High School in Overland Park to send out a note to parents. I mean, suicide is not the only way.

The series’ premiere last month quickly drew buzz and the ire of some suicide prevention advocacy groups, which expressed concerns that the show could increase the instances of suicide among youths.

While the plot sounds harmless, a New York City school recommends parents to refrain their children from watching the hit Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why“.

“Many people experience all sorts of life’s adversities, but don’t get to the point that they take their own life”, said Tana Nash, executive director of the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council.

Asher said it could encourage some kids to do something.

Pasco has joined several school districts nationwide in offering advice to educators about the television series 13 Reasons Why. “I think we have a special responsibility to let our community know that they need to work with their children in addressing tough issues”. It’s 13 hours of intense drama that kids are often binge-watching all at once.

Andrew Evangelista, Montclair Public Schools District’s mental health and harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) Coordinator said to ABCNews that he wrote the letter to parents in the district’s 11 schools after hearing about the series from students and watching it himself. “We would be particularly concerned for any student who may be struggling emotionally and views the series without the opportunity to process the content”.

Just make sure as a parent, you’re aware if they are.

The email advises parents to communicate with their children and “assure them help is available and suicide is never the answer”.