texas

Frisco ISD Alerting Parents About Netflix's '13 Reasons Why'

Letters are going out to parents across North Texas in response to "13 Reasons Why,” a new Netflix series focusing on teen suicide.

The Frisco Independent School District said it began hearing concerns from students and parents about the series that some say glamorizes suicide.

Now letters are being sent out letting parents who decide to let their children watch it in an effort to prevent life from imitating art.

"13 Reasons Why" revolves around Hannah Baker, a 17-year-old who kills herself and leaves behind audio recordings for the 13 people who she said led her to take her own life.

The series is being binge-watched by teens nationwide.

For anyone who's dealt with suicide first hand, it’s graphic depiction is tough to watch.

“For my situation, it doesn't make sense to watch it,” said Chuck Bird, whose son Kyle committed suicide at age 16.

The candle they light daily in their Corinth home is their way of keeping his memory alive.

“For me, the hardest thing is to know that my son, my best friend, got to a point where he made the decision to walk into our closet and do that. The fact that he was that low, that's hard,” Bird said.

Like many, he questions whether "13 Reasons Why" will do more harm than good.

The National Association of School Psychiatrists said it does not recommend vulnerable youth watch the series adding, "Its powerful storytelling may lead impressionable viewers to romanticize the choices made by the characters and/or develop revenge fantasies.”

Frisco ISD isn't taking a side but is offering advice to parents. Brenda Berry, the director of guidance and counseling services for the district, said parents who let their kids watch the series should use it as a teachable moment.

“Talking about suicide doesn't make them die by suicide,” Berry said. “If you’re feeling that way, there is help available. You can reach out to a trusted adult and they will get you help."

The district's letter reminds people that "13 Reasons Why" is meant to be a cautionary tale.

If parents do let kids watch, counselors recommend you watch it with them and encourage them to seek help if they're having suicidal thoughts.

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