Schools, experts warn about ‘13 Reasons’

LA CENTER — School districts and mental health experts are warning parents to be vigilant about the risks of their children watching the popular new Netflix series “13 Reasons Why.”

The series follows the aftermath of the suicide of 17-year-old Hannah Baker. The high school girl leaves behind a series of tapes, each one recounting a painful encounter with one of 13 people, blaming them for her suicide — the 13 reasons from which the show and the 2007 Jay Asher novel on which the show is based takes its name. The show was recently renewed for a second season.

Though Netflix doesn’t release ratings, Variety reported late last month that “13 Reasons Why” is the most tweeted about show in 2017. That’s perhaps a more telling metric of the show’s popularity, given the show’s target audience of teens and young adults.

But schools and mental health providers warn the show’s themes — which include rape, sexual harassment and bullying — as well as the graphic depiction of Hannah’s suicide, could be triggering for young audiences. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in Washington for people ages 15 to 24, according to the Department of Health.

“While I almost always appreciate people having conversations that are honest, I think the show might be exploitative in giving scenarios that are overly horrific,” said Kris Henriksen, coordinator for Clark County’s Teen Talk program, which provides a support hotline for youth.

Schools issue notices

Several area school districts have issued letters to parents warning them to recognize the signs of suicidal thoughts, as well as to have conversations with their children about the show.

Battle Ground Public Schools issued a letter to parents Monday explaining the series and providing talking points for parents to use with their children.

The district also suggested that parents who don’t want their children to watch the series can set parental controls on Netflix to block the show, which is rated TV-MA.

“Students respond differently to what they see in the media, and we are concerned about the questions and feelings that may arise when students watch this series, especially if they watch it unsupervised,” the district’s letter reads.

Camas also issued a letter to parents, reminding them of the warning signs that a child may be considering suicide, including suicidal threats, giving away belongings or changes in behavior and appearance.

“Our community of parents, schools, and public agencies must come together to identify students who are at risk and get them the help they need,” reads the letter, signed by Superintendent Jeff Snell.

Vancouver Public Schools and Evergreen Public Schools, the county’s largest districts, have not issued letters to parents. Both have provided information about the show to teachers and counselors, district officials said.

The show has also attracted attention from state agencies. The Superintendent of Public Instruction’s School Safety Center distributed an email from the Department of Health providing resources about the show.

“This is an opportunity for us and our communities to have conversations with youth and ensure that they (and everyone watching the show) know where they can find help if needed,” said Neetha Mony, statewide suicide prevention plan program manager with the Department of Health.

Mental health community worried

At La Center Elementary School on Monday, a group of teens, parents and school officials gathered in the library to discuss the show and how families can discuss the topic.

The meeting was organized by La Center United, an organization founded by La Center High School senior Emily Hancock about five years ago to provide a forum for teens and adults to address mental health issues among the school district’s youth.

Hancock, who was joined by her mother, La Center Elementary School teacher Joni Hancock, said the pair watched the show together in full, discussing each episode and Hannah’s experiences.

The younger Hancock criticized the show for its romanticization of suicide, but praised it for opening dialogue about suicide.

“That’s dangerous,” she said. “But it got the conversation going. It’s something.”

Hancock’s feedback on the show represented the contrasting controversy surrounding the series. Henriksen with Teen Talk said she has not encountered anything more polarizing than the television series.

Teen Talk provides training for teenage volunteers to run a hotline for students who need to anonymously confide in someone. In her work and time in schools in recent weeks, Henriksen said reactions to the show range from those who find it “deeply disturbing,” to those that think it’s “long overdue.”

Nonetheless, Henriksen said she fears watching the show, including Hannah’s graphically depicted suicide, could be triggering for young people and drive them to harm themselves.

“If I was a parent of a young person, I would try to prevent my young person from watching it if at all possible,” she said.

The show also touched a nerve for June Vining, executive director of the Trauma Intervention Program. Volunteers with that program meet with families following traumatic events, including suicide, to provide support and resources.

Vining noted that in February, the organization responded to five teen suicides. In March, another five. In April, however, following the release of the show, volunteers responded to 12.

Vining also said the show romanticizes suicide in a failed attempt to open conversations about teen mental health.

“I think they really missed the mark on what it’s really like,” she said.

Vining also criticized the show’s depiction of adults, who are generally ineffective in the series. When Hannah tries to seek help from a counselor, he fails to connect her to the resources she needs.

That is not realistic, Vining said. There are trained professionals in schools or mental health facilities that can provide support to teens who are considering suicide.

“Anytime anyone has suicidal thoughts or ideation, we need to jump on it,” she said.

Vining advised that if children are going to watch the show, that parents discuss Hannah’s actions with them to reinforce that suicide is not an option.

“You have to start these conversations,” Vining said. “What’s another option? What else could she have done here? Start getting the kid to brainstorm solutions.”