New '13 Reasons Why' Season Leads Principal To Warn Parents

SILVER SPRING, MD — The controversial Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" deals with teen suicide, depression and bullying. Its second season premiered Friday, May 18 and Montgomery Blair High School’s principal, Renay Johnson, is warning parents of the show's content.

In a statement sent home to parents, Johnson said: "We encourage you to talk with your children prior to the release of season 2. It also has been reported that many adolescents are re-watching season 1 in anticipation of the upcoming episodes."

Johnson also noted that season 1 ended with an active shooter scenario, which may be explored in season 2.

The statement goes on to cite the National Association of School Psychologists, which recommends those who are battling depression, coping with trauma, or shown self-harm tendencies in the past should not watch the show.

Additionally, the statement says National Association of School Psychologists officials recommend parents speak to their kids about the series if their kids are watching it.

>> You can see all of the National Association of School Psychologists' recommendations about "13 Reasons Why" online here.

"13 Reasons Why," based on a 2007 book by Jay Asher, details the story of how a classmate uses 13 tapes left behind following a teenage girl's suicide to figure out the her reasons for committing suicide.

With suicide being the third-leading cause of death among ages 10 to 24, many mental health experts are concerned with the show's content. Those outside the expert community have also raised concerns about the show. A Rolling Stone opinion piece said the show could glamorize teen suicide and does not paint an accurate picture of the tragedy.

"Dead is dead, and as much as it may be hard to portray that on screen, 13 Reasons Why fails to end the last episode with closure," wrote Alexa Curtis of the Rolling Stone."For teens who are battling mental health issues, witnessing the end of a life as easily as the show portrayed it could help desensitize kids to this very serious matter."

Community supports are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in Montgomery County. Here are some important numbers:

• Montgomery County Crisis Center: 240-777-4000
• Montgomery County Hotline: 301-738-2255
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

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