'13 Reasons Why': Strongsville Superintendent Warns Community Of Netflix Series

STRONGSVILLE, OH - Netflix's "13 Reasons Why" series has drawn massive audiences. It has also drawn concern from parents and school officials across the nation, including Strongsville Superintendent Cameron Ryba.

Based on a 2007 novel by Jay Asher, the show details the story of how a classmate uses 13 tapes left behind following a teenage girl's suicide to figure out the her reasons for committing suicide. Despite a TV-MA rating, meaning the show is intended for mature audiences, Ryba said many students in the district have watched the show.

In fact, a spokesperson for Strongsville School told Patch the district's counselors have been meeting with students who have watched "13 Reasons Why" and are grappling with some of its content. He said the district wanted to be "proactive in communicating" with the community, prompting Ryba to send the letter on April 28.

What follows may include spoilers for the show.

In a letter to parents, Ryba details the issues with students watching the series. Namely, the processing and understanding of complicated emotional issues like suicide.

"The content of the show is of a mature nature with the use of strong language and intense and graphic depictions of rape, dating abuse, bullying, and a girl’s suicide," Ryba says in his letter. "Students who view this series may have a difficult time processing the events and mature topics presented."

Ryba then provides links to several hotlines, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

"We also suggest that you discuss the seriousness of mental health issues with your children and encourage them to speak with caring adults when they feel overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. Likewise, please stress to your children that if they hear a classmate discussing self harm, suicide, or other violence that they need to let an adult know immediately. Students and parents can make reports at any time by using the “Stay Safe. Speak Up! Student Hotline” at 1-866-547-8362."

He also suggests that if parents have concerns that they want addressed locally, they can contact school counselors.

So far, the response to the letter has been mostly positive, a spokesperson for Strongsville Schools told Patch.

"Our Superintendent has received positive feedback thanking us for sending this information out and providing additional resources to parents," the spokesperson said.

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