We need to talk about "13 Reasons Why"

As many of you may be aware, Jay Asher's novel 13 Reasons Why was recently adapted to a Netflix series. The series follows teenager Clay as he tries to uncover why classmate Hannah chose to kill herself.  (Hannah left 13 tapes revealing why she chose suicide.) Since the series aired, mental health professionals across the nation have criticized the show for portraying the perfect suicide-as-revenge fantasy.

Teen suicide is an epidemic in America and suicides have been on the rise for the last several years; especially among girls ages 10-14. For this small group, the chances of suicide have tripled in recent years. As professionals that work with youth we need to be aware of the issues surrounding this show (suicide, rape, depression, bullying etc) and be prepared to talk to kids, tweens or teens who have seen and been impacted by the show. Many of our most vulnerable customers may have been triggered by this show and need a trustworthy adult to talk thru the feelings and thoughts this show has inspired.

For those who have not watched the show, there are some key differences from the book:

• Social media - Social Media plays a roll in the Netflix show.  When the book was first published in 2007, things like Facebook and Twitter were relatively new and did not have the social collateral they now hold.
• Hannah's Parents - In the show, Hannah's parents are suing the school. In the book, her parents are barely mentioned.
• Clay's depression - The show portrays Clay as a teen struggling with his own psychological issues, including depression. The book never mentions this detail.
• Hannah's suicide - In the book, Hannah kills herself by taking unspecified pills. In the Netflix show, Hannah slits her wrists on-screen and in very graphic detail.

Not sure where to start with this discussion? Below are some resources:

• How to Talk to Your Child About Suicide and Bullying After Netflix's 13 Reasons Why
  
• How to Talk to a Teen Who is Watching ‘13 Reasons Why’
  
• Parents: Read This Before Talking With Your Kids About '13 Reasons Why'
  
• Why Talk to Kids About ’13 Reasons Why’
  
• Teen Librarian Toolbox - Thinking about 13 Reasons Why: Teens, Mental Health and Media

More resources:

• 13 Reasons Why's Controversial Depiction of Teen Suicide Has School Counselors Picking Up the Pieces
• The Jason Foundation
• Netflix's 13 Reasons Why and the trouble with dramatizing suicide
• ShrinkTank