HCPSS Parents and Community,

We want to make you aware that Netflix has released a series entitled 13 Reasons Why.  The series revolves around a 17 year old who has died by suicide, leaving behind audio recordings for the 13 people who she says contributed to her taking her own life.  The series is rated TV-­‐MA and can be graphic, intense and emotional for some viewers.  The series is based on a novel published in 2007 and written for young adult and teen audiences.  While the novel has been available in some of our schools’ media centers for a number of years, the Netflix series is more graphic and has gained much more interest from students.

Many of our students are watching the series and coming to school talking about it with friends and teachers.  Some children in elementary schools have reported either watching the series or talking with friends or neighbors who have watched it.  Students are also commenting about the series on social media.

While people may have differing opinions on the appropriateness of children and adolescents watching the series, we can use this as an opportunity to reinforce positive mental health practices. It is critical that we consider safe messaging when we talk to all youth and adolescents about suicide, whether it is about this series or a situation that involves them more closely.  Therefore, we are providing these suggestions, developed by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) to help you to answer concerns or have a healthy discussion with your child about this topic.

1.    Ask your child if they have heard or seen the series 13 Reasons Why.  We encourage you to discuss what they have heard or viewed and provide an opportunity for open, honest conversations about the content and themes of the series.
2.    If you are concerned that your child is displaying signs that something is wrong (i.e. suicide threats – direct or indirect, changes in behavior, talking about death, etc.), don’t be afraid to ask if they have thought about suicide or if someone is hurting them. Raising the issue of suicide does not increase the risk or plant the idea. On the contrary, it creates the opportunity to offer help.
3.    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.
4.    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.

If you are concerned for your child’s safety or the safety of one of their peers please seek help from your school counselor, school psychologist, a community-­‐based mental health provider or call 911 for immediate assistance.

As always, if you have concerns about the mental or emotional well-­‐being of your child, related to the series or not, seek help from a community-­‐based mental health provider, school counselor, school psychologist or other student services staff at your child’s school.  Some additional resources about the series or local mental health resources are listed below:

•    Talking Points about 13 Reasons Why from JED Foundation (also available in Spanish) https://www.jedfoundation.org/13-­‐reasons‐why‐talking-­points/
•    Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, Columbia, MD (410) 531-­‐6677
•    Howard County Mental Health Authority (410) 313-­‐6300
•    National Suicide Prevention Hotline (800) 273-­‐TALK (8255)