Important Message about "Thirteen Reasons Why"

Dear Parents and Guardians -

Westford Academy wanted to make you aware of the Netflix series- Thirteen Reasons Why. This show is based on a book that was released 10 years ago and has been made into a 13-episode drama series on Netflix. The series depicts extremely strong and graphic themes of suicide, bullying, rape, substance abuse and other social issues.

The trailer, advertisements and storytelling of this series can be misleading- Teenagers could perceive the message that suicide is a viable or romanticized option.

• There is no mention of mental health and treatment options (as it references suicide throughout)

• The idea of suicide is romanticized throughout

• The series does not express what to do in harmful situations in terms of getting help or utilizing healthy coping strategies

• The only time we see the main character seek out professional help is on the day she kills herself. She seeks help from a school counselor (as she is struggling with the aftermath of being raped by a classmate). The counselor is portrayed as indifferent, suggests that she needs to move on and that without disclosing the name of her rapist, there isn’t much he can do to help her. The main character leaves the counselor’s office with a reinforced feeling of hopelessness and a few hours later slits her wrists in her bathtub.

• The series is not meant to be an educational film, and it’s message does not comply with health recommendations for treating mental illness, and/or trauma, or preventing suicide.

Please find out if your child has read the book, watched the series, or heard of the series and talk with them about it. We also suggest you research the series or watch it for yourself so you understand what your child may be exposed to.

Please be reassured that the Guidance Department and faculty at Westford Academy are educated in the risk factors as they pertain to mental health. The Counselors at WA would respond to any safety issues with a sense of urgency, seriousness, empathy, problem solving and parent communication.  

Please encourage your child to seek out a teacher/coach/counselor if they or their friends are demonstrating mental health risk factors.

If you’d like more information, please contact WA’s School Social Workers- Patti Lonergan (plonergan@westfordk12.us) or Micaela Violette (mviolette@westfordk12.us)

For further information and resources:

NASP: Preventing Youth Suicide

NASP: Tips for Parents & Educators

NASP: Save A Friend - Resource for Teens

National Suicide Prevention Hotline,1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text “START” to 741741