I.P. schools warn parents about ‘13 Reasons Why’

Parents of the Island Park school district received a letter last month in response to the popularity of a Netflix series that “presents the outcome of suicide in an exaggerated and dramatic way — not in a realistic manner,” according to Lincoln Orens Middle School Principal Vincent Randazzo.

The show, “13 Reasons Why,” is based on the best-selling young adult novel by Jay Asher, and follows teenager Clay Jensen, after his 17-year-old classmate Hannah Baker tragically took her own life two weeks earlier. The series details the 13 reasons why she committed suicide, as Baker left behind audio recordings for 13 people who she says in some way were part of why she killed herself. Each tape recounts painful events involving one or more of the students.

Rated for mature audiences, the show raised concerns for the district, according to Randazzo, after many critics claimed that the series “may glamorize suicide for some children,” and does not treat the issue of teen suicide seriously or realistically.

The National Association of School Psychologists released a report regarding the show, which outlined considerations for educators. “We do not recommend that vulnerable youth, especially those who have any degree of suicidal ideation, watch this series,” it stated. “Its powerful storytelling may lead impressionable viewers to romanticize the choices made by the characters and/or develop revenge fantasies.”

The organization also claimed that the adult characters in the show, including one of the school counselors who it says inadequately addresses Baker’s pleas for help, fail to inspire a sense of trust or ability to help.

Actor and singer Selena Gomez, an executive producer of the show, has publically defended the series, and has reportedly called it “beautifully tragic.”

“Please discuss this information with your child,” Randazzo wrote in the letter, also suggesting the use of parental controls on Netflix accounts. “Please know that the faculty and I are available to help our students and families with these very serious concerns.”