Out of concern for mixed messages the show could be sending, Dr. Colleen Moran, the superintendent of the North Montgomery School Corporation sent a detailed letter home to parents.
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“Teens did tell us that there are some scenes in this show that they’d be embarrassed to watch with their parents”, he said.
Originally, the Dylan Minette-starred series is has come from a young adult novel in 2007. And, suicide experts warn about the potentially risky message to young viewers who are not great at separating fiction from reality.
“It might be upsetting to some people because it is pretty graphic, but at the same time it happens”, said Hammond.
According to the description of the Netflix original series, “a$3 fter a teenage girl’s perplexing suicide a series of tapes that unravel the mystery of her tragic choice”.
A controversial new series about teen suicide is causing serious discussions among parents and students in Douglas County. Multiple mental health organizations have cautioned young people against watching the show, Zara Larsson slammed the series for “romanticizing” suicide, and one fan even compiled a list of potentially triggering scenes for concerned viewers to avoid.
Meanwhile, the publication also sees the show as a way to raise awareness that many people would like someone to share their problems with, which can stop them from committing suicide.
“Encourage them to go on”, said Strommen.
If not, to make sure they know adult help is always available for teens in that kind of mental distress. He sent the email to parents after watching an episode and reading about the program.
Abigayle said she can related to some aspects of the film, as she is homeschooled due to isolation and anxiety. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741. While it may be hard, watching it together as a family, may also be an option.
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Parents may be surprised by what their children reveal. “So someday, if I ever feel like if I have something that I need to talk to my parent about, I know that I can”.
