“13 Reasons Why” – What You Should Know

There is a television series on Netflix called “13 Reasons Why” (2017) that the Linn-Mar Community School District would like parents and staff to be aware of.

The series is based the bestselling novel of the same name by Jay Asher. The story takes a retrospective look at a teen girl’s reason for committing suicide through audio tapes she mails to people on the day of her death. The series depicts very serious subject matter that includes suicide, underage drinking and drug use.

Since its release several weeks ago, the series has become widely popular. As a district, it is critical that we provide our students, staff and parents with the proper resources to process and effectively discuss such serious topics.

At Linn-Mar, our counselors have been provided with various resources related to this television series.

We would like to share some of those resources with you. Here are several talking points regarding “13 Reasons Why” provided by Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE), and the Jed Foundation.

If you have specific concerns related to your child, please call your school counselor.

Additional resources include:

National Association of School Psychologists

Iowa Crisis Chat (free, anonymous, confidential online emotional support)

Foundation 2 24/7 toll free number:
1-800-332-4224 or the Lifeline toll free number at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)