Let's Talk about 13 Reasons Why

Every so often a movie or TV show hits the scene that causes some controversy. From my perspective, most of the time that is a good thing. Not that the movie or TV show is necessarily a good or bad thing, but that it’s appearance brings about opportunity to talk about important topics.

Several years ago, The Da Vinci Code hit the movies. There was a lot of fear and anxiety that this movie would cause many to no longer believe in Jesus. It brought about an old argument that said Jesus had married Mary Magdalen and had children, and other myths. I thought it was a great opportunity to teach about church history, a topic that is seldom taught outside of Bible School.

This week I became aware of a new Netflix series that is very popular amongst teens today. Its called “13 Reasons Why” and it deals with the life a High School girl who completed suicide.  

Although this show is rated TV-MA (or basically rated R if it was a movie), I don’t want to get caught up in what rating is appropriate to watch. The reality of this show is that it hits to the core of the reality the students face in public schools across America.

In watching an episode, I was deeply saddened by the realization that what was being portrayed is not fiction, but in fact our kids are facing every day. The cyber bullying, the public shaming, the sexual pressures and the silence that follows. Students face so much pressure today in unique ways to this generation, and parents, teachers, pastors and counselors are often unaware of what’s really happening.

For those reasons alone, we need to educate ourselves and learn to talk about these topics.

I’m not saying that this show actually does a good job in addressing these issues. What it does well is show the reality of the struggles and pressures. But it provides no hope, no healing and no real direction. It dumps a whole lot of heavy issues on you but leaves you hanging to figure out what to do about it.

Sure, there is the accessible “you should be nicer to people” message, and schools would be a lot better if people are nicer. Obviously, there is no Gospel message or redemption to the story. In one sense, I understand the necessity of not having a redeeming positive message at the end of this, for that is what happens often in reality. Yet there isn’t even a message to tell kids struggling with suicide to call a hotline or something.

The advent of this show helps me realize that I need to do a better job of communicating on tough topics and researching teen culture. Students are lonely, vulnerable and desperately want true answers, but are afraid to ask or make the first move to talk to someone who can help.

Parents, friends, youth pastors and anyone who will read this, please read the resources below and ask a teenager you know about the show, about suicide, about the pressures of life and point them to Christ.

Below are links to both Christian and secular articles. Those with a Christian message are labeled with †

**Updated Articles**

**†"'13 Reasons Why' is Deceptive and Destructive" by Trevin Wax
**† Does "13 Reason Why" Glamorize Teen Suicide by Russel Moore
**Message from the Superintendent of Wadsworth High School

†“13Reasons Why’ Reminds Us to Show Youth Love” great resource for questions and discussion

†13Reasons Why Plugged In review

†UNDERNEATH “13 REASONS WHY” - also has a link to an article on Teen Suicide

13 Reasons Why Isn’t Really About Suicide Article from New York Mag

Good for Teens to read

†13Reasons Why NOT a young lady shares 13 Biblical reasons not to commit suicide 

†Thirteen Reasons Why...suicide is the worst option  Greg Steir gives good Bible teaching

13 Reasons Why ThisShow Is Dangerous  college girl blogs about it

To Every 'HannahBaker' That Is Still Alive college girl writes to those struggling with suicide 

This Is Why PeopleAre Saying "13 Reasons Why" Is A Dangerous Show Buzzfeed article 

From a Parent/Psychotherapist perspective

13 Reasons Why, and Its Unintended Consequences, by Brooke Fox, LCSW