ATLANTA — Whether you love it or hate it, everyone is talking about the new Netflix show “13 Reasons Why.”
The drama maps out what's behind a girl's graphic suicide, including rape and bullying.
There has been so much conversation around the show, criticized for glamorizing suicide, that school districts and parents are getting involved.
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DeKalb School's superintendent sent a letter saying the show is "not appropriate viewing for school-age children," but does have "teachable moments."
Cobb School's head counselor said: "Listen for students talking about suicide or saying things like 'You are the fifth reason I am thinking about hurting myself.'"
"Whatever you say does affect everyone, either negatively or positively," eighth grade student Rayniah Kelley said.
Channel 2's Linda Stouffer visited Campbell Middle School, where the message is that there's help and there's hope.
"It's the most preventable type of death there is. (We) really want to help those kids when they are in that crisis situation," counselor Cinde Valencia said.
Through the Source of Strength program, she trains students like Sage Anoff to support troubled friends.
"People get surprised when I say, 'Oh let me talk to a counselor or something.' (They say) 'You talk to a counselor?' and I'm like, 'That's what they're here for,'" Anoff said.
It was announced earlier this month that the show has been picked up for a second season. The second season, set to debut next year, will also be 13 episodes long.
The Selena Gomez-produced show is based on Jay Sher’s young adult best-seller.
If you believe your son or daughter needs immediate help, call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line at 800-715-4225 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Cox Media Group
