Howard Co. Schools Warn Parents: Netflix Show On Teen Suicide

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Howard County Public School System officials are informing parents of the release of the second season of the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why," which explores suicide. The TV-MA-rated series can be graphic and emotional, and school officials want parents to be aware of this.

Released in March of 2017, the first season of the series revolves around a high school student who took her own life and left behind recordings for the 13 people she said contributed to her decision to do so. Naturally, it may be difficult for some people to watch.

The second season of the series came out today, Friday, May 18. A Monday press release from HCPSS is asking all parents to ask whether their kids have watched, or plans watch, 13 Reasons Why.

The National Association of School Psychologists came up with a list of suggestions for parents of kids who may be watching the series. Generally, the suggestions are based on being honest and open with your kids, and asking them to do the same. Here they are, as presented by HCPSS:

• Ask your child if they have seen or plan to watch 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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," school system officials said.

Resources Related to 13 Reasons Why:

• 13 Reasons Why cast video encouraging help-seeking behaviors
• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) 13 Reasons Why, Season 2 Information
• NASP 13 Reasons Why, Season 1 Considerations for Families
• Talking Points about 13 Reasons Why from JED Foundation (available in Spanish)

Local Mental Health Resources:

• 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)

Article image courtesy of Netflix