Talking with young people about alcohol and other drug use in 13 Reasons Why

Did You Know appears in the new discussion guide for parents and caregivers accompanying today's premiere of Season 3 of the drama 13 Reasons Why. The show tells a story of high school students impacted by bullying, suicide, self-harm, drug use, sexual assault and rape. The portrayal of these issues is often graphic and can be distressing.

The New Zealand discussion guide helps parents and caregivers talk with young people about the show and make sense of what they see. Talking with young people about the show is more helpful than blocking them from watching it. The show is widely available and spoken about, and if you tell them they cannot watch it but they do anyway or they speak to others about it, they may feel like they cannot talk to you about it if they feel upset by what they have seen or heard.

Download the discussion guide below. You can also find more suggestions and support on the Mental Health Foundation website.

The Did You Know series on this site can help you talk with young people about alcohol and other drugs. These videos contain facts for young people about alcohol and other drugs. You can use the conversation planner to prepare for that talk.