talking points

13 Reasons Why

Based on Jay Asher’s 2007 Young Adult novel of the same name, Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why tells the story of Hannah, a high school student who has died by suicide. Plagued by cruelties from friends and peers, Hannah created audio tapes before she died addressing how each person harmed her.

Each episode of the first season focuses on a traumatic interaction or event. As 13 Reasons Why grew in popularity, parents, educators and behavioral health professionals grew concerned the series romanticized suicide to a young audience.

Resources and talking points are available for parents and families:

• Netflix 13 Reasons Why: What Viewers Should Consider » (Jed Foundation)
• 13 Reasons Why Talking Points (PDF from SAVE.org and the Jed Foundation)
• 13 Reasons why Netflix Series: Considerations for Educators (PDF from National Association of School Psychologists)

The Jed Foundation promotes emotional health and prevention of suicide among college and university students. To achieve this end, the organization collaborates with the public and leaders in higher education, mental health and research. The Jed Foundation provides a variety of educational resources for colleges and universities, both staff and students; parents of college students and the community. Learn more at jedfoundation.org.

Additional resources

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Tips for Parents Talking with Kids »
• National Association of School Psychologists: Considerations for Educators »
• Nationwide Children’s Hospital: 13 Reasons Why Blog Post »
• Oxford High School’s: 13 Reasons Why Not »
• Recommendations for media coverage regarding suicide: http://reportingonsuicide.org/
• Four school counselors reveal how 13 Reasons Why affected them in this article from Cosmopolitan »
• Kognito is a resource that uses avatars to practice responding to various situations: ohio.kognito.com.
• Learn more about resources and tips for families at StarkMHAR’s bullying webpage »
• OhioMHAS launched the Be Present campaign to encourage young people to step up, speak out and be supportive of peers  struggling with isolation, depression and other mental health issues. Learn more at BePresentOhio.org »
• Suicide can be prevented. Learn the warning signs. Visit StarkMHAR.org/SuicidePrevention »

The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide

The following additional articles are from the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, an organization dedicated to reducing the number of youth suicides and attempted suicides by encouraging public awareness through the development and promotion of educational training programs.

Talking to Your Kid About Suicide. Read article »

When a Child’s Friend Attempts Suicide. Read article »

I Am Worried About My Child…Where Do I Start? Read article »

what can i do locally?

Join the Stark County Suicide Prevention Coalition or consider having your business join us in working together to save lives. Invite a Coalition member to your business, church, school or community organization to help plan an activity and/or provide suicide awareness and prevention training. Learn more about the Coalition here.