Utah school district ‘strongly discourages’ students from watching ‘13 Reasons Why’

Following the release of the third season of the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why,” the Salt Lake City School District emailed parents Thursday “highly discouraging” students from watching the program. | Stock image

Salt Lake School District emailed guidance to parents following the Aug. 23 release of the third season of Netflix’s teen drama

SALT LAKE CITY — Following the release of the third season of the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why,” the Salt Lake City School District emailed parents Thursday “highly discouraging” students from watching the program.

“The show is based on a young adult novel in which a young teenager takes her life. However, due to concerns expressed by organizations like the National Association of School Psychologists and the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, along with the TV-MA rating, we highly discourage students from watching this series,” the email said in part.

The show’s latest season dropped on Aug. 23 and will end after a fourth season.

The email offers parents tips for conversations with their children and provides links to helpful organizations.

The email notes that national psychological organizations are concerned that vulnerable youth may watch the series without understanding the show’s content.

“Please be aware of this Netflix series. It is critical to have thoughtful, open conversations with your child if you have concerns for their emotional well-being,” the email states.

The guidance encourages parents to ask their child if they have heard of or seen the series.

“Don’t be afraid to ask if they have thought about suicide or if someone is hurting them. Raising the issue of suicide does not increase the risk or plant the idea. On the contrary, it creates the opportunity to offer help,” the email states.

It also encourages asking their child if any of their friends or classmates exhibit warning signs for suicide. “Talk with them about how to seek help for their friend or classmate. Guide them on how to respond when they see or hear any of the warning signs.”

Parents should listen to their child’s responses without judgment, the guidance suggests. “Doing so requires that you fully concentrate, understand, respond, and then remember what is said,” the email states.

Finally, parents are encouraged to seek help from school-employed or community-based mental health professionals if they are concerned for their child’s safety or the safety of one of their peers.

“Schools can play an important role in preventing youth suicide, and being aware of potential risk factors in students’ lives is vital to this responsibility,” the email states.

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