Why Not Watch 13 Reasons Why?

Although you may have been warned about letting your kids watch 13 Reasons Why, know that the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention states that you shouldn’t “be afraid to have a conversation with your children about the Netflix series and the issues it raises.”

After a teenage girl's perplexing suicide, a classmate receives a series of tapes that unravel the mystery of her tragic choice.
After a teenage girl’s perplexing suicide, a classmate receives a series of tapes that unravel the mystery of her tragic choice.

My kids won’t be watching 13 Reasons Why, the new series on NetFlix about a teen who kills herself.

It’s not that I won’t let them. It has more to do that they don’t seem to watch anything that isn’t on YouTube.

Would I let them watch it? Sure. It is impossible to hide the fact that suicide is one of the leading causes of death among teenagers.

That should be the nationwide controversy that we are all talking about!

“Evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others.”

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Should you let your teen watch 13 Reasons Why? As it is rated TV-MA, they almost certainly shouldn’t watch it without supervision or support.

The 13 Reasons Why Controversy

By offering immediate counseling to everyone that may need it, local crisis centers provide invaluable support at critical times and connect individuals to local services.
By offering immediate counseling to everyone that may need it, local crisis centers provide invaluable support at critical times and connect individuals to local services.

Did your school send home a warning telling you to make sure your kids avoid the show?

How does that work? Even if they don’t watch it, they might have friends that do.

Whatever you decide, you should at least talk to your kids about it. They probably are already talking about it with their friends.

And see what other folks are saying to help you make your decision:

Keep in mind that while many folks have pitchforks out because of the series, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the American School Counselor Association and the National Association of School Psychologists suggest using 13 Reasons Why as a teachable moment to initiate a helpful conversation about suicide prevention and mental health.

And that conversation can start even if your kids don’t watch the show.

What To Know About 13 Reasons Why

Although you may have been warned about letting your kids watch 13 Reasons Why, know that the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention states that you shouldn’t “be afraid to have a conversation with your children about the Netflix series and the issues it raises.”

Last Updated on May 4, 2017 by Vincent Iannelli, MD

Author: Vincent Iannelli, MD

Vincent Iannelli, MD

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