Is it Ok for a 14-Year-Old to Watch 13 Reasons Why? A Parent’s Guide

The Impact of 13 Reasons Why on Teenagers: Is It Too Much?

Well, if you're a parent, guardian, or just someone concerned about a teenager watching 13 Reasons Why, you’re definitely not alone. When the show first came out, it created a huge buzz — not just because of its controversial subject matter, but because of the questions it raised: Is it okay for a 14-year-old to watch this show?

Honestly, I had the same dilemma when a close friend of mine asked me for advice about letting her daughter, who is 14, watch the show. I mean, the series deals with heavy topics like suicide, bullying, and sexual assault. These are real issues, but does that make it suitable for a teenager? It’s tricky, right? Let’s dive into it and break it down.

What is 13 Reasons Why Really About?

For those of you who might not know, 13 Reasons Why is a drama series based on the book by Jay Asher. It follows a teenage girl, Hannah Baker, who leaves behind 13 cassette tapes, each explaining the reasons why she took her own life. The series addresses serious mental health issues, such as depression and suicide, and it also shows how bullying and trauma can affect young people.

I remember the first time I watched it, and I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable at moments. It’s not the typical high school drama; it’s intense and very real, showing a side of teenage life that’s raw and often painful.

Is 13 Reasons Why Too Intense for 14-Year-Olds?

Well, here’s where it gets complicated. On one hand, the show opens up important conversations about mental health, bullying, and the effects of our actions on others. That’s why, in some ways, it can be really valuable for teens. My friend Sarah, for instance, let her son watch it because she thought it might help him understand the impact of his actions on others — especially in terms of empathy.

But, honestly, I wouldn’t just let any 14-year-old watch this without thinking it through. There are some pretty graphic scenes in 13 Reasons Why, like those depicting self-harm and sexual assault. These scenes are intense and can be triggering, especially for sensitive teens. I’ve seen some kids get upset after watching it, and I’ve also heard from parents who wish they’d watched the series with their child to help them process some of the heavy material.

The Risk of Triggering Negative Emotions

I’ve had conversations with parents who were worried about how the show might affect their child emotionally. For example, Sarah mentioned that her son had already been struggling with some personal issues at school. She wasn’t sure if exposing him to such heavy content would trigger those feelings. The truth is, 13 Reasons Why could potentially heighten emotional struggles if a teenager is already vulnerable, which is something to really keep in mind.

Should You Watch 13 Reasons Why With Your Teen?

Actually, here’s a thought: maybe watching the series together could be a good approach. This way, you can have open discussions about what’s happening on screen, and you can offer guidance if needed. This would help you gauge how your teen is processing the material, and you’d have the opportunity to address any questions or concerns that come up.

When I spoke with my friend Tim about this, he mentioned how he and his daughter watched it together. He said it was eye-opening for both of them and gave them a chance to have deep, meaningful conversations about some of the topics the show raises, like dealing with emotions and mental health. So, it’s not just about saying "yes" or "no" to the show — it’s about engaging with your teenager and using it as an opportunity to talk.

Is Watching 13 Reasons Why a Good Teaching Tool?

If you’re thinking of using the show as a teaching tool, I get it. 13 Reasons Why can spark discussions about important issues that teens face today. But it’s crucial to talk to your child beforehand about what they’re going to see and to check in afterward. I honestly think some parts of the show might be helpful for teenagers who are emotionally mature enough to handle the tough topics.

Alternatives to 13 Reasons Why

If you’re still unsure about letting a 14-year-old watch 13 Reasons Why, there are some other shows and resources that cover mental health and bullying in a more approachable way. Something like The Fosters or Atypical may give you a similar opportunity for conversations but with less intense content.

There’s also a lot of great reading material on mental health for teens, which might be a good idea if you want to steer away from visual media. Books like Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson tackle similar themes of trauma and self-esteem in a way that’s often easier to process for younger audiences.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Whether a 14-Year-Old Should Watch 13 Reasons Why

Ultimately, the decision of whether a 14-year-old should watch 13 Reasons Why depends on a few factors: their emotional maturity, how you plan to support them through the show, and whether they’ve experienced or are likely to experience any of the topics discussed in the series.

If you do decide to let them watch it, I’d say it’s best to watch along with them, provide space for open discussions, and be ready to offer guidance if they’re disturbed or confused by any of the content. It’s not a straightforward yes or no answer, but as long as you're actively involved, 13 Reasons Why can be a starting point for some pretty important conversations. Just remember, no matter what, keeping the lines of communication open is key!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.