As you may be aware, a new Netflix series called 13 ...

May 2, 2017

Dear Parents,

As you may be aware, a new Netflix series called 13 Reasons Why has taken culture by storm in the recent weeks. This series, based on a popular 2007 novel of the same name, tells the story of a high school student who commits suicide and leaves behind thirteen tape recordings. Each tape details social and emotional struggles leading up to her suicide and explains who she feels is responsible for her death. The series contains graphic rape scenes as well as other sexual situations. It depicts self-harm (cutting), underage drinking, bullying, and ultimately ends with an extremely graphic suicide scene in which the main character takes her life with razor blades.

Critics and viewers have given the series rave reviews. Teenagers are saying that they are glad something is finally depicting what it is like to grow up in today's world with all of the challenges they face. Meanwhile many professionals in the mental health field are alarmed by the glamorization of suicide, the graphic trauma scenes that have the possibility of triggering a viewer with trauma history, the portrayal of adults as not helpful or understanding, and the strong theme of suicide as a form of revenge. The show does little to offer resources for individuals who are suffering from depression, bullying, trauma, or suicidal ideations. Sadly but not unexpectedly, counselors and therapists have already reported having an increase in the number of clients they are seeing who, after viewing the series, were either triggered to return to self-harming behavior or had a spike in suicidal ideation. Research shows that individuals who are already experiencing suicidal thoughts are negatively influenced after exposure to the portrayal of suicide.

Producers of the show hoped that the series would be a catalyst for conversations on the topics of bullying, self-harm, abuse, and suicide. Their goal was to use it as an avenue for raising awareness about mental health issues and suicide prevention. Although the show is rated MA for Mature Audiences, the target demographic seems to be adolescents. Unfortunately, this has resulted in many young students (middle school and high school aged) binge watching it alone or with friends and not following it up with conversations with adults. More so than adults, adolescents are highly susceptible to the graphic portrayal of self-harm, rape, and suicide as depicted in the series.

While we do not suggest the watching of the series, we do encourage you to be aware of the effect this series has had on conversations between middle and high school students. If your child is aware of this series, has watched it already, or is watching it now, we encourage you to have an open dialogue with him/her regarding the content of the show. In the links below, you will find recommendations from the

National Association of School Psychologists, the Jed Foundation, and the Catholic News Agency, as well as two posts on the topic from .

Thank you for taking time to increase your awareness both about the Netflix series and about the topics of self-harm, sexual abuse, bullying, and suicide in general.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to Sister Mary Jacinta or our Guidance Counselor, Stephanie Broach, if you feel the need to discuss this matter further.

With prayers, Sister Mary Jacinta, O.P. Principal

Ms. Broach Guidance Counselor

For resources, please visit:

NASP Considerations:

The Jed Foundation: and

Catholic News Agency:

Raising Boys and Girls (for parents):

Raising Boys and Girls (for teens):

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