(by Simon Druker and John Streit – Posted May 3, 2017)
COQUITLAM (NEWS 1130) – A TV show that is getting a lot of attention, particularly among young people and the Coquitlam School District, among others, is just the latest one in Canada to send home a letter to parents warning them about the emotional impact 13 Reasons Why could have on their kids.
A lot of people seem to have concerns about the show’s contents, including one local clinical psychologist. The show touches on sexual assault, impaired driving and the suicide of the show’s main character who narrates the 13-episode Netflix drama.
The letter issued by the Coquitlam School District cautions parents to contact the school if they see their child’s behaviour change, which Dr. Joti Samra says is a very real possibility. “The concern is that we have many kids that just developmentally, are not at a state of emotional maturity to be able to appropriately consume the content of this show.”
She applauds school districts for being proactive in encouraging parents to talk to their kids about those topics which, she feels, can often be ignored. “The show covers very heavy, serious, difficult topics… and there can be an often inadvertent side effect of sensationalizing something that really is an awful experience. We know that this show is rated for ages 16+. There’s a certain reason and rationale for that rating,” says Samra.
“School districts have been very proactive in terms of communicating some of the risks and some of the concerns that come along with this show I think that’s a very positive thing.”
She says teens are likely to watch the show so it’s better you’re there with them to help answer any questions. “The reality is, kids are watching this show. And if they’re not watching it directly, they’re hearing about it. So I strongly recommend parents be educated and informed. And the best thing to do is to watch this show with your child.”
Other school districts in Edmonton, Hamilton and two in Quebec have already issued similar warnings to students and parents about the show.
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