Dear
Bache-Martin Families,
A social
media issue is affecting youth around the country. It is the Netflix series
called "Thirteen Reasons Why." It is important for parents and caregivers to be aware
of the effect this program can have on youth and what you can do to help your
child.
“Thirteen Reasons Why” portrays a teen,
Hannah, whose faces struggles and ultimately chooses to end her life. The series includes graphic and
sensitive issues including rape, bullying and the main character’s
suicide. Many students are
watching and talking about the show. There might be students who identify with
some of Hannah's issues and some young people might misunderstand the message
and believe that suicide is the only logical option.
We need
students and adults to know and understand that adolescents have other
options. There are always ways to seek assistance and make a situation better.
We are
concerned about the questions and feelings this series may raise with students,
especially if they are watching it unsupervised. They may need to talk to you
about it. Here is advice from mental health/suicide prevention organization
about watching this show and talking about it with young viewers:
Considerations
that parents can talk to youth about watching the show:
- Think carefully
about whether or not you choose to watch the show. If you have experienced significant depression,
anxiety or suicidal thoughts or behaviors in the past, this show may be
risky for you to watch.
- If you choose to watch the show and you start to feel upset or
depressed, are having trouble sleeping, or having thoughts of suicide, stop watching it and tell a parent, trusted adult or
counselor. You can also text start
to 741- 741 for confidential, professional help 24/7.
- If you choose to watch the show, consider watching it with
others and take breaks between episodes instead of binge watching. It would be
especially good to watch with parents or other trusted adults. Discuss
what you are seeing and feeling during the show and after.
- Whether you choose to watch this show or not, we should all work
to be caring of and vigilant about our family members, friends and
ourselves. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or
showing signs indicating a possible suicidal crisis get them (or yourself) to help. Professional mental health
care when needed saves lives every day.
Highlights
of talking points to use to discuss the show with teens:
- You may have experiences and
thoughts similar to those of
some of the characters in 13RW. It is typical for people to identify
with TV or movie characters, but it is important to remember that there
are healthy ways to cope with the topics covered in 13RW. Acting on
suicidal thoughts is NOT one of them.
- Suicide is NEVER heroic or
romantic. Hannah's suicide is
fictional. It is a story warning us. It is, NOT meant to appear
heroic. Suicide is a tragedy.
- Suicide
is NOT a common response to life's challenges or hardships. The vast majority of people who experience adversities
described in 13RW like bullying or the death of a friend, do NOT die by
suicide. Most reach out, talk to others and seek help,
or find other better ways to cope. There are many treatment options, and
treatment works. They go on to lead healthy, normal lives.
- It is important to know how to acknowledge and respond to your
child if they share their emotional distress or their thoughts of suicide. Do not judge the child or their thoughts.
Listen. Be caring and kind. Offer to stay with them. Offer
to go with them to get help, or contact a crisis line.
- The
entire list of talking points can be found here (from Suicide Awareness Voices of
Education)
Additional
Resources you might find helpful:
https://www.jedfoundation.org/13-reasons-jed-point-view/
PA
Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative (PAYSPI)
http://www.youthsuicidewarningsigns.org/youth
If you or someone you know needs
immediate help, text 741741 or call 800-273-TALK (8255).
Our goal
is to keep the health and well-being of all our students in mind. Suicide
affects everyone and we want parents to be a part of the solution to prevent
it. We are available to assist you, should you have questions.
Suicide is preventable.
Sincerely,
Mark Vitvitsky Ashley
Cocca
Principal School
Counselor
Bache-Martin
Elementary Bache-Martin
Elementary
**PLEASE NOTE – The School District is holding 2 suicide awareness and prevention training sessions for
parents and caregivers, and having a table with suicide prevention resources on
June 8th from 4:30 to 7:30pm at the
Family and Community Engagement end of year event at 440 N Broad St. We
encourage all parents and families to attend!
