5 Reasons Why Your Kids Shouldn’t Watch “13 Reasons Why”

Everyone is talking about it and I watched it too. Your children should NOT! Below are  5 reasons why your kids shouldn’t watch  13 Reasons Why.

“13 Reasons Why” Controversy

But first, if you haven’t heard of it here’s a little background. 13 Reasons Why is based on the debut young adult novel by Jay Asher, and it is exploding in popularity. But many schools are taking an unusually proactive approach. Just this week, the principal at my boys’ middle school sent out a letter warning parents of the show and offering recommendations from the National Association of School Psychologists (see below) and these talking points from the Jed Foundation.

Although its premise is teen suicide prevention, Netflix pushed the limits with this one.

5 Reasons Why your Kids Shouldn’t Watch 13 Reasons Why:

• It’s rated TV-MA for a reason, actually MANY reasons: graphic rape scenes, underage drinking, masturbation, gay sex, and substance abuse.
• The premise of the show is that everyone else’s actions led to Hannah’s suicide. Your child could take that to mean they’re to blame if a friend or classmate does the same.
• Constant and unnecessary use of the F-word (like as nouns, verbs and adjectives). Yes, I know many kids use fool language to sound cool, but this was over the top. And I actually think it’s lazy writing…kind of like when a stand-up comedian uses profanity as a crutch when he’s not very funny.
• They basically presented a how-to guide on how to slit your wrists and bleed out in a bathtub. I don’t think I’ve ever cringed while watching a show — until this (and I’ve watched The Sopranos, The Walking Dead, and plenty of violent & graphic movies).
• New Zealand recently banned anyone under 18 from watching suicide drama without adult supervision and Lifeline, Australia’s national suicide prevention charity,  called the series “not helpful” and that it presents suicide as “legitimate choice.”

Guidance for Families Discussing  “13 Reasons Why”  National Association of School Psychologists

• Ask your child if they have heard or seen the series 13 Reasons Why. We don’t recommend that they be encouraged to view the series, but if they are, do tell them you want to watch it with them or to catch up, and discuss their thoughts. 
• Don’t be afraid to ask if they have thoughts 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. 
• Ask your child if they think any of their friends or classmates exhibit warning signs. 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. 
• Listen to your children’s comments without judgment. Doing so requires that you fully concentrate, understand, respond, and then remember what is being said. Put your own agenda aside.