AMHERST — Superintendent Anthony Day didn't want parents in the Sweet Home school district to have the same experience he had last year when '13 Reasons Why' debuted on Netflix.
“What I found is that both of my teenaged kids had already watched the entire series before that I even
knew that it existed,” says Day.
So, as a heads-up to parents and guardians in the district, day sent out a two page letter letting them know the adult-themed series was back for season two starting today.
The letter acknowledges it's up to adults to decide whether young people should watch, but if teens watch Day urges them to watch '13 Reasons' with them.
"Netflix is a highly accessible medium for adolescents and we want parents to be able to partner with kids helping them understand the issues that are being addressed in the series,” says Day.
The series, which drew lots of younger viewers during season one, was controversial because of the adult themes in the storyline which included suicide and sexual assault.
Day's letter says '13 Reason' can be an opportunity for parents to have important conversations with students.
The letter also comes with a warning, that if any student is struggling or has had any suicidal thoughts then the district recommends not watching the show at all.