OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT1515 West Mission Road, Alhambra, CA 91803 LAUREL BEAR, PH.D. Phone: (626) 943-3400 FAX: (626) 943-8033

July 5, 2017

Dear AUSD Families:

Alhambra Unified School District would like to make you aware of a Netflix TV Series “13 Reasons Why”. This show is based on a young girl who takes her own life and through cassette tapes left behind, explains to thirteen people the reasons that contributed to her suicidal ideation. The series also brings up various sensitive issues such as bullying, assault, and drunk driving. Unfortunately the series does not discuss positive alternatives to suicide nor does it provide resources to help deal with similar circumstances. It is not recommended that vulnerable students watch this show. Many teens are watching this series without any adult guidance and AUSD feels it is important to have resources to help process the material with your child.

Recently Netflix announced the series will be renewed for a second season. As a response to the series and the upcoming second season we are providing guidelines for talking to your child as well as links and websites that can provide more detailed information. The following resources are from the article ’13 Reasons Why’ Netflix Series:Considerations for Educators published by The National Association of School Psychologists.

Guidance for Families

  1. Ask your child if they have heard or seen the series ’13 Reasons Why’. While we don’t recommend that they be encouraged to view the series, it is your decision as a parent and it is recommended you view together if you choose to do so.
  2. If your child exhibits any emotional response, don’t be afraid to ask if they have thought about suicide or if someone is hurting them. Raising the issue of suicide does not increase the risk or plant the idea, it does however create the opportunity to offer help.
  3. Also, ask your child if they think any of their friends or classmates exhibit warning signs. Talk with your child about seeking help for their friend or classmate. Guide your child on how to respond when they see or hear any of the warning signs.
  4. Listen to your children’s comments without judgement. Doing so requires that you fully concentrate, understand, respond, and then remember what is being said.
  5. Seek help from a school-employed mental health professional, or a community-based mental health professional if you are concerned for your child’s safety or the safety of one of their peers.

Websites

  • National Association of School Psychologists,
  • Suicide Awareness Voices of Education,
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,
  • 13 Reasons Why Not. All Things Considered, National Public Radio.

Sincerely,

Laurel Bear, Ph.D.

Assistant Superintendent, Student/Employee Welfare