“Mental-health specialists have expressed concern that the messages the show sends about suicide are dangerous. They’re saying, along with many others on the internet, that the show delivers an extremely problematic take on suicide. Experts, parents, and teachers have said the show and its premise glorify suicide, failing to put in proper context a character’s misguided rationalization for suicide. And since teens have a high rate of suicidal thoughts, many question whether this show should have been made at all.” ~Business Insider
See school warnings and other articles about this show below and talk to your teen about this show before allowing them to watch it…..you may want to watch it with them…
Peachtree Charter Middle School’s Warning: https://pcms.membershiptoolkit.com/assets/00599/Letter_Supt_-_13_Reasons-FINAL.pdf
Common Sense Media’s Book Review: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/thirteen-reasons-why?j=4703535&l=512_HTML&u=70821603&mid=7000332&jb=89&utm_source=050517+TEEN&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly
Marist School’s Warning: https://marist.myschoolapp.com/podium/push/default.aspx?i=235325&s=216&snd=fec5120c-b0f6-4558-b142-e6388e5d6f5d
Netflix’s hit show ’13 Reasons Why’ is highly controversial, and it’s getting a season 2: http://www.businessinsider.com/13-reasons-why-season-2-controversy-2017-5/#the-show-is-based-on-the-2007-novel-thirteen-reasons-why-by-jay-asher-1
The Aha Connection! Book Review: “Thirteen Reasons Why”
Posted: 10 May 2017 04:36 AM PDT
I’m grateful to Audra for posting this. My oldest daughter is a leader of a group of middle school young ladies at her church. The church leadership has requested that all individuals involved with young people view “Thirteen Reasons Why”. Church leadership feels is it necessary to be prepared if questions or issues arise from these young ladies if they have viewed or play to view this series.
The post also provides links to school warnings and other articles that, I believe, should be read by all.
So interesting that you wrote about this. I read the book forever ago, like you. Loved it. My son and I just finished watching the series together – for the exact reason you stated in your article – you never know the impact, big or small, you can have on someone and what they are going through so be very thoughtful about how you treat people. I loved the line Clay gave the counselor when he said that “the way we treat each other and look out for each other – it has to get better.” That’s the take-away for everyone – adults and teens.
Anyway my friend, thanks for writing about it!
Audra, thank you- Here are some valuable resources:
1. Carmen LaBerge radio interview: https://reconnectwithcarmen.com/know-13-reasons/
2. An open letter to teens on why their lives matter: http://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/raisingboysandgirls-blog/there-are-more-than-13-reasons-why-your-life-mattersand-what-you-can-do-about-it
3. And a counselor’s response:
http://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/raisingboysandgirls-blog/a-counselors-response-to-13-reasons-why
It is now offering a second season. Maybe the parents meet up to discuss and share experiences and ways to engage with our students on this very serious topic. Comment if you are interested.