CHOOL THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF ROBERT M. AVOSSA, ED.D. CHUCK SHAW (0 8) PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL SUPERINTENDENT CHAIRMAN OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT DEBRA ROBINSON, M.D. 3300 FOREST HILL BOULEVARD, C-316 VICE-CHAIRWOMAN WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33406-5869 '1 . S3), (41 BEACH cou?? MARCIA ANDREWS PHONE: 561?649?6837 FRANK A. BARBIERI, JR., ESQ. KAREN M. BRILL BARBARA MCQUINN ERICA WHITFIELD April 28, 2017 Parent Advisory SUBJECT: Important Message from Superintendent Robert M. Avossa, REGARDING: "13 Reasons Why" Netflix Series As a father of a teenager and tween, I am very concerned about a dangerous trend we have observed in our schools in recent days. School District personnel have observed an increase in youth at-risk behavior at the elementary and middle school levels to include self-mutilation, threats of suicide, and multiple Baker Act incidents. Students involved in the recent incidents have articulated associations of their at- risk behavior to the "13 Reasons Why? Netflix series. The Netflix website tag-line summarizes the series theme as follows: ?After a teenage girl?s perplexing suicide, a classmate receives a series of tapes that unravel the mystery of her tragic choice?. The National Association of School (NASP) has issued cautions and considerations for educators and parents, as well as additional resources to support discussions about suicide with adolescents. As an online series, it is possible many parents are unaware of the popularity ofthis show. As such, the District would like to share this resource and encourage parents to discuss its content if their teen or adolescent has viewed the show. This advisory is for awareness purposes only and is in no way intended to be an indictment ofthe show or Netflix. In part, NASP cautions: We do not recommend that vulnerable youth, especially those who have any degree of suicidal ideation, watch this series. powerful storytelling may lead impressionable viewers to romanticize the choices made by the characters and/or develop revenge fantasies. They may easily identify with the experiences portrayed and recognize both the intentional and unintentional effects on the central character. Unfortunately, adult characters in the show, including the second school counselor who inadequately addresses Hannah?s pleas for help, do not inspire a sense of trust or ability to help. Hannah?s parents are also unaware of the events that lead her suicide death. The School District of Palm Beach County A Top-Rated District by the Florida Department of Education Since 2005 An Equal Education Opportunity Provider and Employer Page 2 of 2 April 28, 2017 "13 Reasons Why? Netflix Series While many youth are resilient and capable of di?erentiating between a TV drama and real life, engaging in thoughtful conversations with them about the show is vital. Doing so presents an opportunity to help them process the issues addressed, consider the consequences of certain choices, and reinforce the message that suicide is not a solution to problems and that help is available. This is particularly important for adolescents who are isolated, struggling, or vulnerable to suggestive images and storylines. Research shows that exposure to another person?s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of death, can be one of the many risk factors that youth struggling with mental health conditions cite as a reason they contemplate or attempt suicide. The complete NASP recommendations and cautions, as well as additional support materials, can be found on our District home page, If adults or teens know someone struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 1?800?273 TALK (8255) or text START to 741741. Sincerely, Robert M. Avossa, Superintendent The School District of Palm Beach County A Top-Rated District by the Florida Department of Education Since 2005 An Equal Education Opportunity Provider and Employer Family Guidance (provided by the National Association of School Psychologists1) 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, do tell them you want to watch it, with them or to catch up, and discuss their thoughts. 2. If they exhibit any of the warning signs below, 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. On the contrary, it creates the opportunity to offer help. 3. Ask your child if they think any of their friends or classmates exhibit warning signs. Talk with them about how to seek help for their friend or classmate. Guide them on how to respond when they see or hear any of the warning signs. 4. Listen to your children's comments without judgment. Doing so requires that you fully concentrate, understand, respond, and then remember what is being said. Put your own agenda aside. 5. Get help from a school-employed or community-based mental health professional if you are concerned for your child's safety or the safety of one of their peers. 13 Reasons Why Information Specific to 13 Reasons Why o Talking Points {http://bit.ly/2q2m6U9}, published by The JED Foundation, as well as a guide suggesting "What Viewers Should Consider" {http://bit.ly/2q8NRhj} o Guidance {http://bit.ly/2q2m6U9} from the National Association of School Psychologists 1 http://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/preventingyouth-suicide/13-reasons-why-netflix-series-considerations-for-educators Potential Warning Signs (courtesy of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) o Lack of social support and/or sense of isolation o Existing mental health disorders (i.e., depression, anxiety, personality disorders) o Alcohol and other substance use disorders o Hopelessness o Recent trauma (i.e., loss of relationship, extreme family discord) o Family history of suicide o Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies o Access to lethal means Mental Health Resources o o o o o Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE), an organization that seeks to prevent suicide through awareness and education. o www.SAVE.org o For help in a crisis, SAVE can be reached at (800) 273-8255 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) o www.SAMHSA.gov/find-help o National Helpline: (800) 662-HELP (4357) o Disaster Distress Helpline: (800) 985-5990 The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides "free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress," 24/7. o (800) 273-8255 o There is also an online chat program that can be accessed through www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org American Foundation for Suicide Prevention o www.AFSP.org o New York Chapter: www.AFSP.org/chapter/afsp-new-york-city/ Minding Your Mind is an organization that seeks to "reduce the sigma and destructive behaviors often associated with mental health issues." Resources for Parents and Educators o A The National Association of School Psychologists has many articles with information and advice. o www.NASPonline.org o Preventing Youth Suicide: Tips for Parents and Educators {http://bit.ly/2qfPiXS} o Considerations for Educators {http://bit.ly/2q2m6U9} Lexington Public Schools 146 Maple Street Lexington, Massachusetts 02420 Many Czajkowski. lidD. sol?2530. ext. (180-10 .S'ttperimemt'ent of'Schorn?s email: fax: (781)863-5329 May 1. 2017' Dear Parents and (,iuardians. In our continuing efforts to support students and families with regard to mental health and suicide prevention. we are sending this letter to all families in the district in response to the new Nettlix television series Thirteen Reasons I'Vhy, based on the book by author Jay Asher. The series is a ?ctional story ofa high school student who died by suicide. leaving behind a series of tapes she made for each person that she feels played a role in her decision to end her life. The series contains much disturbing content. including a graphic suicide scene. explicit drug and alcohol use. teenage sexual encounters. multiple rape scenes. bullying. car accidents. and lights. Some young people are commenting that they have watched the series. and it has received a great deal ofmedia attention. The depiction and circumstances of the suicide in the series have raised concerns with professional and advocacy groups because there are several elements in the story that are inconsistent with safe messaging guidelines around handling portrayals of suicide in the media and works of ?ction. As a district. we collaborate with experts in the field of suicide. who have communicated that this series portrays suicide as a viable choice. and ultimately gloriflcs it. The mental health experts and clinicians at Riverside ii'oumu Center remind us of how a series like this can easily elicit feelings ofdistress in our vulnerable children and young adults. They and we strongly advise that you not allow your childtren) to view this series. If you have older elementary school? aged children. or middle and high school children. we suggest asking your child if they have heard of. watched, or plan to watch the series. If your child has already watched this series. we advise that you speak with your child about what sfhe observed. Please refer to this link for more information concerning this series. and speci?c talking points that you can use in speaking with your child(rcn): Net?ix l3 Reasons Why: What Viewers Should Consider Talking Points Ii Suicide Awareness Voices of Education 'l?alking Points The main point we hope students take away front further conversation about this series is that there are always options other than suicide. There are people who can help. even when it doesn?t feel that way. Talking with a school counselor or another trusted adult is encouraged. and counseling staff members are trained to support students who are coping with the types of significant challenges that the main character was facing. If you need assistance. please do not hesitate to reach out to your child?s counselor by contacting your child's school directly. Additional resources and suppert can be obtained through the tbllowing: ?f?i'iirreen Reasons Why Leger to Parents and (Errordimts Pa 2t: May I . Town of Lexington Youth and Family Services Social Worker Kristie Dcmircv. LICSW 781-698-4843 Riverside Trauma Center - if you or someone you know is struggling. with thoughts of suicide: Text START to 741-741 Call 1-800-2735FALK {8255} We hope you ?nd the provided information and resources helpful. and are happy to talk with you further if necessary. Please do not hesitate to call upon us for assistance. We appreciate your partnership in keeping children sale. Sincerely. (W '77? a) L: Dr. Mary Czajkowski. Superintendent Watt \so Wm Valerie Viscosi .A. C. A .G .S. K-l2 Director of Counseling DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR S. MATAYOSHI SUPERINTENDENT STATE OF DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PO. BOX 2360 HONOLULU. 96804 OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT May 2, 2017 Dear Parents and Guardians, We want to inform you of a recently released Netflix series called Thirteen Reasons Why, which has received high interest from teenage audiences. The plot is based on a ?ctional story of a high school student who experiences terrible events and dies by suicide. We have serious concerns about the graphic elements in the series that are inconsistent with messages that protect mental and emotional well-being, as well as content that is for mature audiences. The Hawaii State Department of Education wants you to be aware of this show because of its graphic nature. You may want to discuss this show with your teenage children. The National Association of School recently stated it does not ?recommend that vulnerable youth, especially those who have any degree of suicidal ideation, watch this series." Children and youth who watch this series will need supportive adults to process it. The series does raise issues of bullying, which the Department works to reduce in our schools by emphasizing a culture of respect, responsibility and resiliency, using a framework of prevention, response and follow-up. Thank you for your attention to this matter. The physical and emotional well-being of our students are a high priority. It takes all of us in our communities to be vigilant in ensuring student safety. Very truly yours, 0 S. atayoshi Superintendent AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 13 REASONS WHY TALKING POINTS 13 Reasons Why is a fictional story based on a widely known novel and is meant to be a cautionary tale. You may have similar experiences and thoughts as some of the characters in 13RW. People often identify with characters they see on TV or in movies. However, it is important to remember that there are healthy ways to cope with the topics covered in 13RW and acting on suicidal thoughts is not one of them. If you have watched the show and feel like you need support or someone to talk to, reach out. Talk with a friend, family member, a counselor, or therapist. There is always someone who will listen. Suicide is not a common response to life's challenges or adversity. The vast majority of people who experience bullying, the death of a friend, or any other adversity described in 13RW do not die by suicide. In fact, most reach out, talk to others and seek help or find other productive ways of coping. They go on to lead healthy, normal lives. Suicide is never a heroic or romantic act. Hannah's suicide (although fictional) is a cautionary tale, not meant to appear heroic and should be viewed as a tragedy. It is important to know that, in spite of the portrayal of a serious treatment failure in 13RW, there are many treatment options for life challenges, distress and mental illness. Treatment works. Suicide affects everyone and everyone can do something to help if they see or hear warning signs that someone is at risk of suicide. Talking openly and honestly about emotional distress and suicide is ok. It will not make someone more suicidal or put the idea of suicide in their mind. If you are concerned about someone, ask them about it. Knowing how to acknowledge and respond to someone who shares their thoughts of emotional distress or suicide with you is important. Don't judge them or their thoughts. Listen. Be caring and kind. Offer to stay with them. Offer to go with them to get help or to contact a crisis line. How the guidance counselor in 13RW responds to Hannah's thoughts of suicide is not appropriate and not typical of most counselors. School counselors are professionals and a trustworthy source for help. If your experience with a school counselor is unhelpful, seek other sources of support such as a crisis line. While not everyone will know what to say or have a helpful reaction, there are people who do, so keep trying to find someone who will help you. If someone tells you they are suicidal, take them seriously and get help. When you die you do not get to make a movie or talk to people any more. Leaving messages from beyond the grave is a dramatization produced in Hollywood and is not possible in real life. Memorializing someone who died by suicide is not a recommended practice. Decorating someone's locker who died by suicide and/or taking selfies in front of such a memorial is not appropriate and does not honor the life of the person who died by suicide. Hannah's tapes blame others for her suicide. Suicide is never the fault of survivors of suicide loss. There are resources and support groups for suicide loss survivors. If you're struggling with thoughts of suicide... Text START to 741-741 Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) www.save.org | www.jedfoundation.org Talking points by: 13 Reasons Why Netflix Series: Considerations for Educators Schools have an important role in preventing youth suicide, and being aware of potential risk factors in students' lives is vital to this responsibility. The trending Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, based on a young adult novel of the same name, is raising such concerns. The series revolves around 17-yearold Hannah Baker, who takes her own life and leaves behind audio recordings for 13 people who she says in some way were part of why she killed herself. Each tape recounts painful events in which one or more of the 13 individuals played a role. Producers for the show say they hope the series can help those who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. However, the series, which many teenagers are binge watching without adult guidance and support, is raising concerns from suicide prevention experts about the potential risks posed by the sensationalized treatment of youth suicide. The series graphically depicts a suicide death and addresses in wrenching detail a number of difficult topics, such a bullying, rape, drunk driving, and slut shaming. The series also highlights the consequences of teenagers witnessing assaults and bullying (i.e., bystanders) and not taking action to address the situation (e.g., not speaking out against the incident, not telling an adult about the incident). CAUTIONS We do not recommend that vulnerable youth, especially those who have any degree of suicidal ideation, watch this series. Its powerful storytelling may lead impressionable viewers to romanticize the choices made by the characters and/or develop revenge fantasies. They may easily identify with the experiences portrayed and recognize both the intentional and unintentional effects on the central character. Unfortunately, adult characters in the show, including the second school counselor who inadequately addresses Hannah's pleas for help, do not inspire a sense of trust or ability to help. Hannah's parents are also unaware of the events that lead to her suicide death. While many youth are resilient and capable of differentiating between a TV drama and real life, engaging in thoughtful conversations with them about the show is vital. Doing so presents an opportunity to help them process the issues addressed, consider the consequences of certain choices, and reinforce the message that suicide is not a solution to problems and that help is available. This is particularly important for adolescents who are isolated, struggling, or vulnerable to suggestive images and storylines. Research shows that exposure to another person's suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of death, can be one of the many risk factors that youth struggling with mental health conditions cite as a reason they contemplate or attempt suicide. What the series does accurately convey is that there is no single cause of suicide. Indeed, there are likely as many different pathways to suicide as there are suicide deaths. However, the series does not emphasize that common among most suicide deaths is the presence of treatable mental illnesses. Suicide is not the simple consequence of stressors or coping challenges, but rather, it is most typically a combined result of treatable mental illnesses and overwhelming or intolerable stressors. School psychologists and other school-employed mental health professionals can assist stakeholders (e.g., school administrators, parents, and teachers) to engage in supportive conversations with students as well as provide resources and offer expertise in preventing harmful behaviors. GUIDANCE FOR EDUCATORS 1. While we do not recommend that all students view this series, it can be appreciated as an opportunity to better understand young people's experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Children and youth who view this series will need supportive adults to process it. Take this opportunity to both prevent the risk of harm and identify ongoing social and behavior problems in the school community that may need to be addressed. 2. Help students articulate their perceptions when viewing controversial content, such as 13 Reasons Why. The difficult issues portrayed do occur in schools and communities, and it is important for adults to listen, take adolescents' concerns seriously, and be willing to offer to help. 3. Reinforce that school-employed mental health professionals are available to help. Emphasize that the behavior of the second counselor in the series is understood by virtually all school-employed mental health professionals as inappropriate. It is important that all school-employed mental health professionals receive training in suicide risk assessment. 4. Make sure parents, teachers, and students are aware of suicide risk warning signs. Always take warning signs seriously, and never promise to keep them secret. Establish a confidential reporting mechanism for students. Common signs include: ? Suicide threats, both direct ("I am going to kill myself." "I need life to stop.") and indirect ("I need it to stop." "I wish I could fall asleep and never wake up."). Threats can be verbal or written, and they are often found in online postings. ? Giving away prized possessions. ? Preoccupation with death in conversation, writing, drawing, and social media. ? Changes in behavior, appearance/hygiene, thoughts, and/or feelings. This can include someone who is typically sad who suddenly becomes extremely happy. ? Emotional distress. 5. Students who feel suicidal are not likely to seek help directly; however, parents, school personnel, and peers can recognize the warning signs and take immediate action to keep the youth safe. When a student gives signs that they may be considering suicide, take the following actions: ? Remain calm, be nonjudgmental, and listen. Strive to understand the intolerable emotional pain that has resulted in suicidal thoughts. ? Avoid statements that might be perceived as minimizing the student's emotional pain (e.g., "You need to move on." or "You should get over it."). ? Ask the student directly if they are thinking about suicide (i.e., "Are you thinking of suicide?"). ? Focus on your concern for their well-being and avoid being accusatory. ? Reassure the student that there is help and they will not feel like this forever. ? Provide constant supervision. Do not leave the student alone. ? Without putting yourself in danger, remove means for self-harm, including any weapons the person might find. ? Get help. Never agree to keep a student's suicidal thoughts a secret. Instead, school staff should take the student to a school-employed mental health professional. Parents should seek help from school or community mental health resources. Students should tell an appropriate caregiving adult, such as a school psychologist, administrator, parent, or teacher. 6. School or district officials should determine how to handle memorials after a student has died. Promote memorials that benefit others (e.g., donations for a suicide prevention program) and activities that foster a sense of hope and encourage positive action. The memorial should not glorify, highlight, or accentuate the individual's death. It may lead to imitative behaviors or a suicide contagion (Brock et al., 2016). 7. Reinforcing resiliency factors can lessen the potential of risk factors that lead to suicidal ideation and behaviors. Once a child or adolescent is considered at risk, schools, families, and friends should work to build these factors in and around the youth. ? Family support and cohesion, including good communication. ? Peer support and close social networks. ? School and community connectedness. ? Cultural or religious beliefs that discourage suicide and promote healthy living. ? Adaptive coping and problem-solving skills, including conflict resolution. ? General life satisfaction, good self-esteem, and a sense of purpose. ? Easy access to effective medical and mental health resources. 8. Strive to ensure that all student spaces on campus are monitored and that the school environment is truly safe, supportive, and free of bullying. 9. If additional guidance is needed, ask for support from your building- or district-level crisis team. The team may be able to assist with addressing unique situations affecting your building. See Preventing Suicide: Guidelines for Administrators and Crisis Teams for additional guidance. Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) and the JED Foundation have created talking points for conversations with youth specific to the 13 Reasons Why series, available online. 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, do tell them you want to watch it, with them or to catch up, and discuss their thoughts. 2. If they exhibit any of the warning signs above, 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. On the contrary, it creates the opportunity to offer help. 3. Ask your child if they think any of their friends or classmates exhibit warning signs. Talk with them about how to seek help for their friend or classmate. Guide them on how to respond when they see or hear any of the warning signs. 4. Listen to your children's comments without judgment. Doing so requires that you fully concentrate, understand, respond, and then remember what is being said. Put your own agenda aside. 5. Get help from a school-employed or community-based mental health professional if you are concerned for your child's safety or the safety of one of their peers. See Preventing Youth Suicide Brief Facts (also available in Spanish) and Preventing Youth Suicide: Tips or Parents and Educators for additional information. SAFE MESSAGING FOR STUDENTS 1. Suicide is never a solution. It is an irreversible choice regarding a temporary problem. There is help. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or know someone who is, talk to a trusted adult, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text "START" to 741741. 2. Don't be afraid to talk to your friends about how they feel and let them know you care about them. 3. Be an "upstander" and take actions to reduce bullying and increase positive connections among others. Report concerns. 4. Never promise to keep secret behaviors that represent a danger toward another person. 5. Suicide is preventable. People considering suicide typically say something or do something that is a warning sign. Always take warning signs seriously and know the warning signs. ? Suicide threats, both direct ("I am going to kill myself.") and indirect ("I wish I could fall asleep and never wake up."). Can be verbal, written, or posted online. ? Suicide notes and planning, including online postings. ? Preoccupation with death in conversation, writing, drawing, and social media. ? Changes in behavior, appearance/hygiene, thoughts, and/or feelings. ? Emotional distress. 6. Separate myths and facts. ? MYTH: Talking about suicide will make someone choose death by suicide who has never thought about it before. FACT: There is no evidence to suggest that talking about suicide plants the idea. Talking with your friend about how they feel and letting them know that you care about them is important. This is the first step in getting your friend help. ? MYTH: People who struggle with depression or other mental illness are just weak. FACT: Depression and other mental illnesses are serious health conditions and are treatable. ? MYTH: People who talk about suicide won't really do it. FACT: People, particularly young people who are thinking about suicide, typically demonstrate warning signs. Always take these warning signs seriously. 7. Never leave the person alone; seek out a trusted adult immediately. School-employed mental health professionals like your school psychologist are trusted sources of help. 8. Work with other students and the adults in the school if you want to develop a memorial for someone who has died by suicide. Although decorating a student's locker, creating a memorial social media page, or other similar activities are quick ways to remember the student who has died, they may influence others to imitate or have thoughts of wanting to die as well. It is recommended that schools develop memorial activities that encourage hope and promote positive outcomes for others (e.g., suicide prevention programs). Read these helpful points from SAVE.org and the JED Foundation to further understand how 13 Reasons Why dramatizes situations and the realities of suicide. See Save a Friend: Tips for Teens to Prevent Suicide for additional information. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ? ? ? ? ? National Suicide Prevention Hotline,1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text "START" to 741741 Center for Disease Control Suicide Datasheet SAMHSA Prevention Suicide: A Toolkit for High Schools Suicide Prevention Resource Center, After a Suicide: Toolkit for Schools Memorials: Special Considerations for Memorializing an Incident WEBSITES ? ? ? ? ? ? National Association of School Psychologists, www.nasponline.org American Association of Suicidology, www.suicidology.org Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, www.save.org American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, https://afsp.org/ www.stopbullying.gov Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, www.rainn.org REFERENCES Brock, S. E., Nickerson, A. B., Louvar Reeves, M. A., Conolly, C., Jimerson, S., Pesce, R, & Lazarro, B. (2016). School crisis prevention and intervention: The PREPaRE model (2nd ed.). Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists. Contributors: Christina Conolly, Kathy Cowan, Peter Faustino, Ben Fernandez, Stephen Brock, Melissa Reeves, Rich Lieberman (C) 2017, National Association of School Psychologists, 4340 East West Highway, Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-657-0270, www.nasponline.org Document may be adapted or excerpted with proper acknowledgement. Please cite as: National Association of School Psychologists. (2017). 13 Reasons Why Netflix series: Considerations for educators [handout]. Bethesda, MD: Author.