School officials, parents concerned about '13 Reasons Why'
A new show on Netflix is making some waves because of the sensitive issues it deals with, even prompting a warning from some schools to parents.
Officials at many Maryland school systems said they are aware of the Netflix show "13 Reasons Why," and they have sent resources to administrators and teachers. In Carroll County, some schools sent emails to parents.
The show follows teenager Hannah Baker and the 13 reasons why she committed suicide. It has raised alarm bells for educators and parents.
Mandie Study said it's a matter of maturity, and she's not sure her daughter is old enough to handle the weighty topic.
"As a mother of a 14-year-old, I'm not sure that I want her watching another child talk about suicide and following through with that, giving her ideas of how to do it physically, putting it there in front of her. It's pretty scary," Study said.
The show has a "mature" rating, but counselors at some Carroll County schools said kids as young as elementary school-age are watching it without their parents' knowledge.
Judy Klinger, supervisor of school counseling in Carroll County, said there are counselors in every school, in addition to preventative programs and lessons on depression with immediate resources available.
"The biggest concern with that would be that you have a vulnerable child who is maybe contemplating suicide or struggling with very serious issues, and the TV show could maybe put an idea in their head," Klinger said.
The show also deals with other tough topics, like drugs, alcohol and sexual assault. Klinger encourages parents to watch the show first and determine whether it's appropriate for their child.
"If nothing else, give your child time to talk to you about it. I would approach your child and ask them if they're watching the series. What are they seeing in the series? What are they worrying about? Do they have worries about themselves?" Klinger said.
In that way, Klinger said, the show can actually open communication and encourage talking about uncomfortable subjects.
The best idea may be to watch the show with your child.
"That's what I'm going to do. I'm going to watch it with my daughter. As scary as it is, as a mom, you don't want to think that your child is having these thoughts, or this is something they should be presented to, but it's reality for these kids nowadays," Study said.
Link:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline, 800-273-TALK (8255), or text "START" to 741741