The Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” has been in the media plenty. The show depicts a teen suicide. High school and middle school students especially have been engrossed with the show. The show also depicts sexual assault and bullying. Not surprisingly, many find the show triggering.
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center, supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), put together this list of some of the best responses to “13 Reasons Why.”
From Suicide Prevention Organizations
- A Teachable Moment: Using 13 Reasons Why to Initiate a Helpful Conversation about Suicide Prevention and Mental Health (AFSP/ASCA/NASP) (Webinar)
- Tips for Parents for Talking with their Children about 13 Reasons Why and Suicide (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
- Briefing in Connection with the Netflix Series 13 Reasons Why (International Association for Suicide Prevention)
- 13 Reasons Why Talking Points (The Jed Foundation/Suicide Awareness Voices of Education)
From Other Mental Health/Professional Organizations
- 13 Mental Health Questions about 13 Reasons Why (American Psychiatric Association)
- 13 Reasons Why Netflix Series: How School Counselors Can Help (American School Counselor Association)
- 13 Reasons Why Netflix Series: Considerations for Educators (National Association of School Psychologists)
- 13 Ways to Continue the Conversation about 13 Reasons Why (Active Minds)
Other Related Resources
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- The Trevor Lifeline (The Trevor Project)
- Information for Parents webpage (Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide)
- Not my Kid: What Parents Should Know about Teen Suicide (Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide) (Video)
- Action Alliance Framework for Successful Messaging (National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention)
And here is a bonus link for journalists on responsible reporting on suicide. Believe it or not – you, the journalists – have an awesome power and responsibility. Every article or story on suicide has the potential to trigger copycats, or be an opportunity to help raise awareness and prevent. Are you sure that YOU know the best practices to make that difference?
Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide (various)
More Suicide Prevention from me (Abigail Burd, LCSW, San Diego psychotherapist)
- Is Suicide Preventable? Is it 100% Preventable?
- Suicide Prevention for College Students
- Book me to speak about suicide prevention
Comment below: How are you talking to teens and young adults about “13 Reasons Why”?
Image by Netflix
What are your thoughts?