Netflix Series: "13 Reasons Why" Worries School Officials in the Hudson Valley, Internationally

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — A Netflix series on a tragic dimension of teen angst has elicited a strong warning for parents from school officials across the Hudson Valley. They, like their counterparts around the world, are concerned about the effect "13 Reasons Why" may have on young, impressionable viewers.

Based on the best-selling debut novel by young-adult author Jay Asher, the 13-episode series focuses on teenage bullying. Directed by Tom McCarthy, who captured a best picture Academy Award for "Spotlight," the series is co-produced by Disney star Selena Gomez and backed by Paramount Television. It stars Katherine Langford, Christian Navarro and Justin Prentice.

"This series has been available on Netflix since the end of March. Former Disney child star, Selena Gomez, is credited as a producer. With her name attached, 13 Reasons Why may reach a much younger audience than anticipated. Middle and High School students are likely aware of the series and may have even watched some, or all, of the episodes," wrote Bedford schools superintendent Christopher Manno in a message to parents. "It is important for you to be cognizant of its availability, allure, content, and popularity. The series romanticizes suicide as a viable option, portrays school support staff as being non-responsive to students in need, and does not offer any appropriate responses or advice for students who may be in crisis."

Manno is far from alone in his concern. New Zealand has restricted teenage viewing of the series, according to the Telegraph. Many Canadian schools have issued warnings, according to Variety.

Locally, the reaction has included both warnings and guidance.

South Orangetown school officials posted guidance on the district's blog for educators from the National Association of School Psychologists. While NASP says "We do not recommend that vulnerable youth, especially those who have any degree of suicidal ideation, watch this series," they also offer tips for educators to help students articulate their perceptions and to make sure students, parents and staff are aware of suicide risk warnings.

On the Lakeland website, Superintendent George Stone listed several shortcomings:

• There is no mention of behavioral health and treatment options;
• The notion of suicide is glamorized;
• There are no examples of help-seeking by the teens portrayed in the program;
• There are several scenes depicting serious trauma, in which the teens do not seek help or resources, including rape, bullying, alcoholism and suicide;
• The graphic portrayal of the actual suicide was unnecessary and potentially harmful to young people facing challenges.

Stone also offered parents these resources:

Westchester & Putnam County Emergency Numbers

• Suicide/Crisis Prevention Hotline - St. Vincent's Hospital. 914-925-5959
• Westchester Cty. Dept. of Social Services. Emergency Services (evenings and weekends) 914-995-2099*
• WestCOP Victim's Assistance Services. Sexual Assault Helpline 914-345-9111*
• Putnam County Crisis Intervention Hotline (24 hours, 7 days / week) 845-225-1222
• Putnam/No. Westchester Women's Resource Ctr. Crisis Hotline845-628-216
• Children's Village, Sanctuary Runaway Respite 24/7 Hotline: 1-888-997-1583
• Green Chimney's Arbor House. Runaway safe house for teens. Hotline. 845-279-2588

New York State Emergency Numbers

• New York Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-342-3720
• N.Y.S. Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline. (English) 1-800-942-6906 (Spanish) 1-800-942-6908

National Hotline Numbers

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
• National Runaway Safeline 1- 800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-8929)

Netflix isn't unaware of the issues. The media company published this short on YouTube and directed people for further information: "Hannah's story isn't easy to tell. If you need help, please visit 13reasonswhy.info and watch Beyond The Reasons on Netflix to hear more from the cast."