On April 27th, OFCS Superintendent Dr. Jim Lloyd emailed all Olmsted Falls Middle School and Olmsted Falls High School parents regarding the new series recently released by Netflix titled "13 Reasons Why."
4/27/17 Email Message from Dr. Lloyd:
Dear OFMS & OFHS Parents and Guardians,
Some of you may be aware of a new series released by Netflix at the end of March titled “13 Reasons Why.” This series has drawn some attention because of the team that put it together as well as the content of the series itself. In a rather intense manner, the series focuses on a young girl who not only commits suicide, but also sends messages to the 13 people she feels contributed to her decision to end her life. The series is based upon the book by Jay Asher titled “Th1rteen R3asons Why.” As a parent of a 14, 17 and 20 year old, my wife and I began watching this series in order to gather a better understanding. My message today is sent both as an educational leader and a father. Given the growing popularity of this series as well as the serious subject matter, I encourage all parents to become more informed about this series and even engage in conversations at home with your child(ren).
The show is comprised of 13, one hour episodes that include graphic themes such as bullying, sexual assault, drug use and other social issues. This email includes some tips as well as resources for parents related to this show as well as the very complicated and serious topics covered in the series. As a fellow parent of teenage kids, I know this path is not always easy. Please know that as a school community we care about our students and their families. We are always here to help should you or your child ever want to talk or feel you need some assistance.
Listed below are some tips and resources:
-
Consider viewing the show yourself and do some reading on the issues portrayed.
-
If you have a teenager, consider watching the show with him/her and have a conversation about the content. This way you can share the experience and discussion instead of your child perhaps watching on their own.
-
Click here for an article about the impact this series may have on teenagers by John Ackerman, Ph.D. He is a Clinical Psychologist in Behavioral Health and Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Center for Suicide Prevention and Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He mentions "Depicting suicide as a natural consequence of trauma or stressors is inaccurate. Popular media often suggest a cause-and-effect relationship between negative events such as bullying, sexual assault, or family conflict and suicide. This is misinformation. Suicide is complex and not a typical response to the types of adversity described in 13 Reasons Why."
-
Vulnerable youth who may be struggling with depression and other mental health issues have raised concerns with the National Association of School Psychologists about this show. Click here for a document that outlines the concerns. There is also resources and guidance related to suicide.
-
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK or text 741741.
-
Prevention, awareness and support are available at suicide.org.
-
Mobile Crisis 24/7 Hotline 216.623.6888 or Text “FLS” to 741741; you may also Chat online Mon.-Fri. from 3-9 p.m. at www.FrontLineService.org
-
Please go to the district's website for additional resources on this topic.
Thank you for listening. Should you have any questions please contact any of our school counselors, any member of the administrative team or myself. We are all here to help.
Sincerely,
Jim Lloyd, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Olmsted Falls City School
Below please find additional resources on this topic:
T
Any parents with questions are encouraged to contact any of our school counselors, any members of the administrative team or Dr. Lloyd. All are here to help.
Olmsted Falls High School 427-6100
Olmsted Falls Middle School 427-6200
Office of Superintendent 427-6000