Westborough Superintendent Voices Concern Over "13 Reasons Why"

WESTBOROUGH, MA—A hot Netflix series has not only captured the attention of teen viewers, especially, but is causing concern for some schools across the country. "13 Reasons Why" is a series that focuses on the left-behind tapes of suicide victim Hannah Baker, and the 13 people she blames as contributing to her death.

The series, which not only focuses on bullying and suicide, is dark and includes graphic scenes, intense emotional battering, binge drinking, drugs and rape scenes.

Amber Bock, superintendent of Westborough Public Schools, joins the many educators across the country who voiced concerns about the show, and warns that it is vital that parents are aware of it.

Bock shared the following message with the school community:

Many of you may already know about the controversial Netflix Series titled 13 Reasons Why. The series contains graphic and inappropriate content for young students and, many would argue, for even older students. We think it is vital that you know that the series has gone viral and even elementary age students across the country are watching it. Mental health professions are concerned that it sensationalizes youth suicide. It also deals with the topics of rape, drunk driving, and bullying. For these reasons, mental health professionals are providing guidance to educators and parents about how to deal with the repercussions that could come about from viewing this series. One of the best documents we have seen on this topic was created by the National Association of School Psychologists. The document contains information for both educators and parents. Please click here to view the document. As always, please contact my office should you have questions or concerns that you would like to share with me.

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Photo Credit: Netflix