Mom Claims Her Son Is Now Suicidal After Teacher Promoted ’13 Reasons Why’

It’s been a couple of months since 13 Reasons Why became one of the most talked-about and binge-watched Netflix shows. Plenty has been said about the show, ranging from why teenagers should or shouldn’t watch, how it glorifies suicide, how it gets depression right), to softer topics like that incredible soundtrack. Those who couldn’t get enough of the first season have also been wondering about a second season (which has already been confirmed). But it seems the show continues to inspire and incite, and now one North Florida mom claims her son is suicidal after their teacher promoted the show in class.

According to the mom, it all started when her teenage son’s teacher allegedly started talking about the popular Netflix Original in their class at Clay County High School, in Green Cove Springs (about an hour south of Jacksonville).

“I was told that one of the teachers was discussing the series in class, and basically said, ‘I think it’s a pretty good show you guys should check it out,'” the mom (who wishes to remain anonymous) told local news station WJXT.

“I would have never let my son watch that, especially alone,” she added.

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The mom says that shortly after, she discovered that her son was self-harming. The teenager had also begun making a list of reasons why he wished to commit suicide, much like Hannah Baker, the star of the show who creates a series of tapes revealing the “reasons why” she killed herself.

“He was creating a 13 reasons why list and told us that he, at that point, was having thoughts of suicide — that he didn’t want to live,” the mom said.

She then had her son committed for a psychiatric evaluation, though he was later released.

A spokesperson for the Clay County School District told News4Jax that it wasn’t the teacher but rather the students who first brought up the TV show. The teacher then watched the show and held a discussion about it in class the following day, though it was unrelated to the curriculum.

So Is 13 Reasons Why to Blame?

While this woman’s son may have been inspired by the show to write down a list of reasons, no one can be certain what brought the boy to begin self-harming in the first place. Depression and suicidal thoughts don’t happen for just one reason or other. There are often a number of factors, from genetic predisposition to hormonal and chemical imbalances to bullying to child abuse to generally feeling unsupported. Hopefully, the teen is now getting the help that he needs. And hopefully, more parents become aware of how their teens are feeling earlier on as well.

If you or someone you love are having thoughts of depression or suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386, or text “START” to 741-741.

(Image: Netflix)

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