District warns of fallout from ’13 Reasons Why’
“13 Reasons Why” is streaming on Netflix and has worried school officials across the country that students might be influenced by its subject matter of suicide.
May 4, 2017
School districts across the country, including Danbury’s, are taking measures to ensure that the Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why” doesn’t have a negative influence on students.
The show is based on Jay Asher’s 2007 novel of the same name. It tells the story of a girl, Hannah Baker, who decides to take her own life. Before she dies she leaves behind cassette tapes with a friend that tell the 13 reasons why she made the choice she did, and those 13 reasons are specific people.
“I feel like this show is great for teenagers because it shows what could happen if someone doesn’t speak up,” said sophomore Trevor Roos. ‘It also teaches teens that they need to be careful about what they say and do around other students.”
It is revealed toward the end of the series that the school guidance counselor is the 13th reason because after Hannah was sexually assaulted she goes to him for help. When she refuses to tell him the boy’s name, he tells her to move on.
Danbury officials quickly went public with emails and robocalls throughout the community that services are available in the schools. Included was a copy of talking points from Suicide Awareness Voices for Education and the Jed Foundation, both suicide prevention organizations.
In a DHS administration email, it was pointed out that “this series is causing some students to reflect on the idea of suicide. If you hear students mention this around the building please refer them to a [Pupil Personnel Services] staff member.”
But school officials want students to realize that while some may connect with characters and the story, it is important to know that there are differences between DHS and the school in the series.
In the fictional school of the story, the counselor didn’t do much to help her and he was her only resource because the school had only one counselor. DHS, however, has a whole line of people that students can go to for help.
“Every student at Danbury High has a guidance counselor,” said crisis counselor Caitlin Lewis. “They can come to me, the crisis counselor, a psychologist, an administrator, a teacher, a nurse, or any other staff member that they connect with.”
There is also no repercussions for seeking help from any of the DHS resources. “A student will never get in trouble for coming to me for help or expressing concern about a friend,” Lewis said.
Confidentiality is important, Lewis said. “Things students discuss are confidential unless they are at risk of hurting themselves or another person,” said Lewis, adding that the DHS student body understands that exception.
It is also important to be aware of what to do if you feel suicidal or you think a friend is suicidal. Lewis explained: “If you are at school when you think a friend or yourself is suicidal you should tell me or another staff member. If you are outside of school you can tell an adult, call 911, or call 211 for a counselor to come.
“I know of the resources here at school at school to help me through any situation that I find myself in because of this show,” Roos added. “It is not your fault if a friend is suicidal. Feeling guilt is a natural reaction, but it’s not your fault.”
The EMPS Crisis Intervention Services says to look for warning signs such as hopelessness, rage, anger, seeking revenge, acting recklessly, feeling trapped, increased alcohol or drug use, withdrawing from friends, family, or society, anxiety, dramatic mood changes, and feeling that there’s no purpose for life.
They also say when you are with a friend who is suicidal you should be direct, be willing to listen, be non judgmental, get involved, don’t act shocked, don’t be sworn to secrecy, offer hope, take action, and get help.
“Our school is similar to the school in ‘13 Reasons Why’ because our students go through the same things as them,” Lewis said. “But our school is also different because we have several methods and resources for students.”
