This presentation provides information to parents about the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" which depicts the story of a teenage girl's suicide. Key points of concern with the show include graphic depictions of rape, violence, and substance abuse. Professionals warn the show may glorify suicide or influence vulnerable youth. However, students say the issues aren't as common as adults think. The presentation covers suicide statistics, warning signs, risk factors, and actions parents and schools can take to prevent suicide and encourage help-seeking behavior.

1. 13 Reasons Why
A Parent Presentation

2. Goals for
Tonight
-Inform you about the
series
-Discuss specific concerns
-Provide information about
suicide and warning signs
-Provide opportunity for
discussion and dialogue
-Leave you with tools and
resources for after today

3. Disclaimer
The intent of this presentation is to provide you with
information and resources. If at any time you develop
concerns about your child, please contact your family
physician, a local mental health professional, or other
community agency. We are unable to provide specific
recommendations for treatment.

4. Synopsis
A high school junior, Hannah Baker, is driven to commit
suicide. Prior to her death, she recorded a series of audio
tapes outlining the 13 reasons why she chose to take her life.
The series focuses on a classmate of Hannah’s, Clay
Jensen, who is going through the process of listening to the
tapes. As Clay uncovers the truth about what happened to
Hannah, the viewer is exposed to a number of incidents such
as sexual assault, bullying, rape, drug and alcohol use,
violence, and more.

5. Key elements of concern
-Two scenes that graphically depict rape
-Multiple scenes of peer-on-peer violence
-Multiple scenes of drug and alcohol use and abuse
-Absence of appropriate parent involvement
-Absence of appropriate adult intervention at school
-A graphic and hyperrealistic depiction of Hannah’s suicide

6. What are professionals saying?
-The series could be misinterpreted by impressionable and developing minds.
-The series could be seen as glorifying suicide as a viable response to bullying , or
as a form of revenge.
-The series depicts school staff as incompetent and ignorant.
-Though these topics are important to talk about, the nature of Netflix allows
children to “binge-watch” the series without parents even being aware. This
prevents them from having a responsible person to talk to about the show.
-Ultimately, the series could influence someone already at risk of suicide to
choose to take their own life.

7. What are students saying?
-The issues in the show don’t happen as often as adults
think.
-Just because someone watched the show, doesn’t mean
they’re going to commit suicide.
-Hannah’s problems aren’t “real problems.”
-She should have tried harder to get help from adults.
-The lesson learned is people need to treat each other better.

8. Suicide and Mental Illness
● Currently, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in youth ages 10-24.
- 90% of individuals who died by suicide had an underlying mental illness.
● Suicide most often occurs during a crisis state, when stressors exceed
current coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition.
● Major Depressive Disorder is most commonly associated with suicide, this
increases when someone is not diagnosed or receiving treatment.
● Mental illness impacts 20% of adolescents ages 13-18.
- 11% of adolescents are living with a mood disorder, such as depression.

9. Suicide in the United States

10. 2015

11. The Warning Signs
Talk:
Being a burden to others
Feeling trapped
Experiencing unbearable
pain
Having no reason to live
Killing themselves
Behavior:
Increased use of alcohol or
drugs
Looking for a way to kill
themselves, such as
searching online for
materials or means
Acting recklessly
Withdrawing from activities
Isolating from family and friends
Sleeping too much or too little
Visiting or calling people to say
goodbye
Giving away prized possessions
Aggression
Mood:
Depression
Loss of interest
Rage
Irritability
Humiliation
Anxiety

12. Risk Factors
Health:
Mental health conditions:
Depression
PTSD
Bipolar
Schizophrenia
Borderline or antisocial
personality disorder
Conduct disorder
Psychotic disorders, or
psychotic symptoms
in the context of any
disorder
Anxiety disorders
Substance abuse disorders
Serious or chronic health
condition and/or pain
Historical:
Previous suicide attempts
Family history of
completed suicide or
attempts
Environmental:
Stressful life events which
may include a death,
sexual assault, or abuse
Prolonged stress factors
which may include
harassment, bullying,
relationship problems,
Access to lethal means
including firearms and/or
drugs
Exposure to another person’s
suicide, or to graphic or
sensationalized accounts
of suicide

13. What you can do
Normalize the need to ask for help
● Encourage your child to get involved with activities
● Encourage open dialogue between you and your child
● Contact school counselors
● Ask your child about the differences you see in their work,
appearance, friend groups, or other behavioral changes
● Keep track of your child’s digital footprint

14. What schools can do
Provide information and resources for community-based providers
Provide school counseling groups
Provide extracurricular activities to help students get connected
Promote conversation and acceptance about mental health
Help students and parents understand it’s ok to ask for help
Continually educate ourselves on how to best serve our students

15. Outside of School
Mental health counselors
Behavioral Connections
Children’s Resource Center - Crisis Counseling
Family Services Counseling Center
Presentations on mental health
NAMI (Parents and Teachers as Allies & Ending the Silence)
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Education

16. Additional Resources
Nationwide Children's Hospital
National Association of School Psychologists
National Alliance on Mental Illness
JED
The Helpful Counselor
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

17. Turn and talk questions
1. What are your thoughts about this series?
2. What are children saying about the series?
3. What do you need to be better prepared to discuss
these topics with your child?
4. What positive things could come from this series?