By Aura Martinez South Florida News Service
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The recent release of the second season of 13 reasons why is affecting the community of Sweetwater by raising awareness of bullying and other matters that students face.
13 reasons why is a show that focuses on the aftermath of Hannah Baker, a high school student, suicide. She leaves tapes explaining why she did what she did, exposing bullies and other people who harmed her.
The reason that this show has caused much controversy is because of how graphic it is. The show has portrayed rape scenes, bullying, suicide and other scenes.
There have been constant debates on social media regarding whether the show is a bad influence or a good influence.
Sweetwater community was impacted after the recent shooting that took place at Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb 14, 2018.
With an event that impacted the whole nation there has been a pressure from parents to increase the school’s safety.
Maria Gonzalez, the mom of a student that attends Miami Coral Park High School in Sweetwater, expressed her concern.
“Things in the world are getting worse by the day,” said Maria Gonzalez. “I do not want to one day get a call from the police saying my daughter has been shot at school.”
The end of season two of the show almost ended in a school shooting. Although in the show it was able to be prevented by a student, it was not the safest option.
Dr. Rebecca Hedrick, assistant professor of psychiatry, was a series consultant for the show. In the show Behind the reasons she explains what would have been the safest option.
“The safest option would have been to go behind the doors and lock himself inside with the other students far away from the shooter,” said Hedrick.
Parents are worried that their children will believe that choices made in the show are okay to make in real life.
“I have seen some scenes from the show because my daughter watches it and I believe it is too much for a high school student to handle,” said Maria Gonzalez.
Her daughter, Ana Gonzalez, who attends the school believes otherwise.
“I have been able to see that bullying has always existed in schools and for some reason it isn’t talked about much,” said Ana Gonzalez. “However, this show has opened up students and teachers to be more open to talk about our problems.”
Although the show has caused controversy, many schools all over America are making the effort. Their goal is to help students feel like they can talk to school counselors if they need to.
At the beginning of each episode there is a warning about the graphics in the show. At the end of each episode the suicide hotline is provided.
“I feel like the show has allowed me to realize what people who are going through things like these must feel,” said Ana Gonzalez. “But there is still a lot that needs to be done so students can feel like they can count on people at school.”
With the upcoming school year, parents like Maria Gonzalez have hope that the school will continue aiding students and raising awareness.
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