Student Wellbeing

Netflix has announced that Season two of 13 Reasons Why will be launched on Friday 18 May 2018.

When Season one of 13 Reasons Why was released in 2017, there was significant demand on the mental health sector, and concerns from schools and families across Australia about the show’s content.  The storyline was based on a 16 year old young woman at high school who dies by suicide.  Before her death, she made 13 audiotapes for selected students to listen to outlining 13 ‘reasons’ for her decision.  

The Netflix program directly exposes viewers to very risky suicide content that may lead to distressing reactions.  National and international research clearly links the impact of harmful suicide exposure to increased risk and possible suicide contagion.  Headspace School Support produced some information to help parents and carers talk through the important issues related to the first season of this series (attached).  Our teaching staff were also made aware of these resources.

In preparation for Season two, headspace and Netflix have collaborated to develop resources and discussion guides for young people, parents and schools to assist them to have safe conversations about the confronting themes associated with suicide depicted in the series.  The resources provide information on how to safely watch the series, self-care, help-seeking behaviour and how to have constructive conversations with friends and families.  All resources and discussion guides will be available on the headspace website and the 13reasonswhy.info website on 18 May prior to the release of Season two.

St John's Regional College encourages you to discuss the issues raised in 13 Reasons Why with your children if they watch the series.  Many young people who watch this series will not be significantly affected.  However, if you are concerned about someone’s wellbeing, please do not hesitate to contact the Personal and Social Wellbeing Leader, Learning Mentors House Leaders or one of the following agencies:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au

headspace: 1800 650 890 or eheadspace.org.au

Greg Van Es, Deputy Principal - Student Wellbeing