13 Reasons Why - Yes Or No

OneLifeToLive · May 6, 2017

This question is especially for parents of Teens.
Would you let your child watch the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" ?
My 13 year old wants to watch it so badly. He came to me a couple of weeks ago and asked me if he could watch it because everyone at school was talking about it. I told him to give me time to watch it first so I could decide and let him know. I finished the entire series in about 3 days and must say that my son will NOT be getting permission to watch it.
There is a reason why the series has a Mature Audience rating. The story is about a High school teen who commits suicide and leaves behind audio tapes with her reasons for doing so. I also read that experts have called the series "triggering" . Though the entire story is based on High School kids, the subject is very dark . Also, the lifestyle that they depict as those kids having looks SO unreal to me.
Would any of you let your teen watch it and why?

jskls · May 6, 2017

See this link
"13 Reasons Why" Netflix Series: Considerations for Educators

Check out Guidance for Families section

Rihana · May 6, 2017

OneLifeToLive said: ↑

Would any of you let your teen watch it and why?
Click to expand...

No, I won't let my teen watch it. I read up about it this past week, and made a note to myself and DH that if kid asks, we have to say no and give reason. Have to also prepare for the possibility that they watch it at a friend's place or somewhere online.

I haven't watched it, but read enough about it to make the decision. This is almost the first time I am saying no for a show, movie or book. I think the subject of teen suicide has not been dealt with in a way that makes it an acceptable or useful show for teens to watch. We have talked about suicide and suicidal feelings at home, and any such news is openly discussed, but, such a show - I don't see any use of watching it.

I rarely make such decision without watching or reading. But there was enough unbiased opinion in the media for me to make a decision. One example - in the book it is not revealed how she commits suicide, but the show has a 3 minute sequence that shows it in detail. How 13 Reasons Why Built That Heartbreaking Suicide Scene

justanothergirl · May 6, 2017

Simple answer no. Had I had not seen this thread I wouldnt even know about it and if boys had asked I would have said sure without batting an eyelid . Bad JAG I need to be more careful .I dont think even I can watch these things myself.

OneLifeToLive · May 6, 2017

jskls said: ↑

See this link
"13 Reasons Why" Netflix Series: Considerations for Educators

Check out Guidance for Families section
Click to expand...

Thank you for the link . I went over it once and will do so again . Lot to learn from it.

OneLifeToLive · May 6, 2017

Rihana said: ↑

No, I won't let my teen watch it. I read up about it this past week, and made a note to myself and DH that if kid asks, we have to say no and give reason. Have to also prepare for the possibility that they watch it at a friend's place or somewhere online.

I haven't watched it, but read enough about it to make the decision. This is almost the first time I am saying no for a show, movie or book. I think the subject of teen suicide has not been dealt with in a way that makes it an acceptable or useful show for teens to watch. We have talked about suicide and suicidal feelings at home, and any such news is openly discussed, but, such a show - I don't see any use of watching it.

I rarely make such decision without watching or reading. But there was enough unbiased opinion in the media for me to make a decision. One example - in the book it is not revealed how she commits suicide, but the show has a 3 minute sequence that shows it in detail. How 13 Reasons Why Built That Heartbreaking Suicide Scene
Click to expand...

Thanks for your input, Rihana. You are right about the show not dealing with the topic in a way to help deter negative thoughts . It almost "romanticizes" it in a way.
I just read the article which you have linked and the actress herself has not seen the actual suicide scene because it is so heavy . All the people working on the series were supposedly so affected by the whole process of shooting and the scene that they were all in tears. And these are all adults , just imagine the affect it could have on impressionable young minds.

jskls · May 6, 2017

justanothergirl said: ↑

Simple answer no. Had I had not seen this thread I wouldnt even know about it and if boys had asked I would have said sure without batting an eyelid . Bad JAG I need to be more careful .I dont think even I can watch these things myself.
Click to expand...

Didn't know about it until we recd email from school. Happen to talk to DD1 about it and came to know that she read the book already and movie version is far more fantasized than the original book. Told her to let me know next time when she reads such books and the look she gave me .

Shanvy · May 6, 2017

A big no from me. Anything that is going to affect the kids negatively no. I strongly believe these type of programmes leAve a residual impact that sticks to the subconcious mind.

We have an alarming rate of suicide among teens and we dont need another program that highlights it.

Just now saw a promo on mtv that says you dont need a degree for success. Dropouts can do great. If you have an idea and want to make big we will help.. name of the program "dropout".

I do agree you don't need a degree to succeed but there are circumstances that we use it. Like i know a friend who could never get good grades as he alwAys had difficulty presenting. Never got the degree but ended up doing business. In such a situation it applies.

But this program sort of glorifies dropping out. Not sure if it is just mother in me reacting to it..

Shanvy · May 6, 2017

And what made me feel stronger about this show is having dealt with someone close who was having a inclination to think of suicide.

And more links that have surfaced..
New Show '13 Reasons Why' Worries Mental Health Experts

Facts About Teens, Suicide And '13 Reasons Why'

@jskls i have got that explanation and look many a time