Verona Superintendent: Netflix Series On Teen Suicide Isn’t For Kids

VERONA, NJ — Teen suicide is a pressing public health issue that has left its mark on youth and their families across the Garden State. But the enormously tricky task of talking about suicide may be a conversation that’s not meant for a Netflix television series, a New Jersey school superintendent says.

Verona Schools Superintendent Rui Dionisio recently released a letter to parents and guardians in the district, writing that “although the show is fictional, the nature of the storyline raises serious concerns as to the emotional safety of adolescents who may be watching, especially children who have had experience with mental health issues and suicidal thoughts or behaviors.”

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In other words, Dionisio doesn’t recommend that children watch the series. Here’s why it’s an inappropriate way to discuss suicide, he says:

“Suicide is a very real issue that leaves behind long lasting and negative effects on families, friends, and entire communities. Verona has tragically experienced such loss firsthand. Talking about suicide, although difficult, is a critical first step and healthy way to process what people are feeling. But mental health experts have repeatedly cautioned on the manner in which suicide deaths are portrayed in the media, which may contribute to the glorification of suicide and potentially causing a contagion effect.”

Dionisio continued:

“The Verona Public School District has been engaged in extremely significant efforts over the past several months. Last fall, our district, with the support of our Board of Education and engagement of numerous community stakeholders, mobilized a committee to discuss the issues of mental health and suicide prevention. This committee has established overarching goals that will allow us to meet the needs of our youth while exploring a multitude of resources and approaches that supports the emotional safety of our students.”

Dionisio added:

“As a parent and educator, I have serious concerns about the nature of 13 Reasons Why and the message it sends our children, especially since this show does not always provide appropriate responses to suicide prevention. I do, however, see that there exists an incredible opportunity to have an important and constructive conversation about suicide prevention to protect the emotional health of our students.”

Read the superintendent’s full statement here.

A Netflix spokesperson stated that the show’s creators and the network have tried to be mindful of the series’ strong themes, as well as its intended audience.

“We support the unflinching vision of the show’s creators, who engaged the careful advice of medical professionals in the scriptwriting process,” a Netflix spokesperson told a reporter.

Here’s how Netflix describes the show, which was produced by actress Selena Gomez:

“Based on the best-selling books by Jay Asher, ‘13 Reasons Why’ follows teenager Clay Jensen as he returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker - his classmate and crush - who tragically committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Will Clay be one of them? If he listens, he’ll find out how he made the list. Through Hannah and Clay’s dual narratives, ‘13 Reasons Why’ weaves an intricate and heart wrenching story of teenage life that will deeply affect viewers.”

The series stars Dylan Minnette as Clay Jensen (Goosebumps), Katherine Langford as Hannah Baker, Kate Walsh as Mrs. Baker (Private Practice), Brian D’Arcy James as Mr. Baker (Smash) , Derek Luke as Mr. Porter (Empire), Brandon Flynn as Justin Foley, Justin Prentice as Bryce Walker, Alisha Boe as Jessica Davis, Christian Navarro as Tony Padilla, Miles Heizer as Alex Standall (Parenthood) and Tommy Dorfman as Ryan Shaver.

Watch the official trailer for the series below.

TEEN SUICIDE IN NORTH JERSEY

North Jersey has seen multiple instances of reported youth suicide in recent history. Read about some of the heartbreaking stories below.

After Son's Suicide, N.J. Father Challenges People To Be 'Kind'

Everybody believed that Dylan Vassallo, at 17, had a "zest" for life. He was the kind of kid who did as much as he could for others, even if he didn't have the time to do it, especially if it meant doing something kind. Then, on Aug. 4, 2015, at his home in Holmdel, that selfless life came to an end.

'This Was Not A Joke:' N.J. Dad's Video Cry For Help After Daughter's Fatal Bridge Fall

The police and some friends didn't want to say why she died. But Ronstin Smith felt he had to. Smith, whose friends call him Aaron, felt it was time to be clear why his 15-year-old daughter from New Jersey fell from a Garden State Parkway overpass and landed in traffic.

'Suicidal' Teen Planned To Jump From GWB Before Lifesaving Phone Call

Port Authority officers intercepted a suicidal teen with a history of mental illness who allegedly planned to jump from the George Washington Bridge, police said.

Police Save Suicidal Teen From Jumping Off Newark Hotel Ledge

With some choice words, a dose of human empathy and some quick reflexes, police officers managed to save an allegedly suicidal teen from his plans to jump off a ledge at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, authorities say.

Father of Bullied Teen Who Committed Suicide Speaks to West Essex Families

John Halligan’s son Ryan committed suicide on Oct. 7, 2003, when he was 13 after he was ridiculed and humiliated by peers in school and online.

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Photo: YouTube screenshot, Netflix