Second season of 13 Reasons Why prompts warning letter from London District Catholic School Board

The second season release of the Netflix show 13 Reasons Why has prompted the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) to issue a two-page warning letter to parents about the show's sensational content.

Based on a popular young adult novel, the first season of show depicts the events that lead to a 17-year-old high school student taking her own life.

The letter cautions parents about the 'glamourization' of suicide and other negative behaviours in the show's first season — warning the show's 'negative portrayals of helping professionals' could discourage kids from reaching out for help.

The show's second season, according to the letter, has its own problems.

"Similar graphic content and difficult topics will be in Season 2, plus toxic masculinity and secrets and conspiracies related to the death by suicide," the school board said in the letter, adding the second season also features a warning video to help viewers deal with the sensitive content.

The board suggests parents make themselves available to discuss the show with their kids and to clarify misinformation.

The Thames Valley District School Board said it did not send out a similar letter, but that it has school resources in place already 'to address this year's themes.' The board said it did send additional information to school principals and vice-principals.

The Peel District School Board and the Waterloo Region District School Board have issued their own letters about the show, citing similar worries about suicide.

Ontario's Ministry of Education said they're supporting schools through a provincial 'School Mental Health-ASSIST initiative.' Kathy Short, who directs the initiative, says she sent materials to all school boards before the show aired, including resources about talking to students about suicide and information based on educators' experience with the first season of the show. 

What do the teens think?

Dina Al-Gburi, a student at London's Catholic Central High School (CCH), got the letter but said she hasn't watched the show herself.

Although Al-Gburi says mental illness is a real problem for high school students—she's aware of someone in her broader social circle who took their own life — she said the hand-wringing over 13 Reasons Why might be misplaced.

"I actually didn't see any reason for that letter," she said. "There's lots of criminal shows and everything. Why is this the one specifically that they made a big deal out of?"

Al-Gburi said the message behind the letter might have made more sense if it was accompanied by an assembly or further discussion from teachers.

Jaadyn Lewis, who also attends CCH and hasn't yet seen the second season, said she thought the letter was a good idea.

"I thought it was a good way to make sure they don't watch it thinking, 'Oh that's the only thing you can do if you're upset,'" Lewis said. "Because not everything bad in life stays, you can get help and get better."

Signs to watch out for

The board said while parents shouldn't encourage their kids to watch the show, they should tell their kids they want to hear their thoughts and talk about it together.

The board also offers a list of common warning signs to suicidal thoughts. These include:

• Suicide threats, whether verbal or written. The board says these threats are often found in posts online
• Giving away prized possessions
• Demonstrating a preoccupation with death
• Emotional distress
• Changes in behaviour, hygiene, thoughts or feelings

LDCSB says parents should always take these warning signs seriously and never promise to keep them a secret.