A Netflix series about a teenage girl’s suicide spurred Warren County Public Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton to inform parents of its controversial content in a districtwide email Monday.

The Netflix series, which is titled “13 Reasons Why,” tells the story of Hannah Baker, a high school student who commits suicide and leaves behind 13 audiotapes detailing the events that led to her death. It’s based on Jay Asher’s best-selling book.

Clayton said in an interview that after learning about the show’s content and popularity, he consulted with school administrators and counselors and decided to inform parents because of the potential harm it could cause to students.

“This one (show) was garnering quite a bit of media attention and students were talking about it and we want to make sure that our kids are safe,” he told the Daily News.

Media outlets typically refrain from sensationalizing or graphically describing suicides because it can create suicide contagion or “copycat” suicides. A graphic scene portraying Hannah’s death raised concerns among some suicide prevention advocates for sending the wrong message about the issue.

Bowling Green Independent School District Superintendent Gary Fields said he had not sent a districtwide message like Clayton’s, but he did encourage parents to be aware of the media their children consume. “It’s very important to be aware of what are they watching,” he said.

In his message, Clayton recommended that parents discuss the show with their children if they’ve seen it or mentioned it.

“If you have not seen the series, you may want to watch it yourself, or possibly view it with your student,” Clayton wrote. “However, it may not be appropriate for some students at all as it is graphic and depicts scenes of suicide, rape, sexual assault, alcohol use and violence.”

Clayton cited a recommendation from the National Association of School Psychologists against vulnerable youths, especially those with any kind of suicidal ideation, watching the series. Clips from the show are also posted on YouTube.

Clayton also advised parents to follow five guidance steps for families. He suggested parents ask their children if they’ve seen the series, if they’ve thought about suicide or if someone is harming them, if their friends or classmates show warning signs and guiding them in how to respond, listening to their children without judgment and getting help from a professional if needed.

– Follow education reporter Aaron Mudd on Twitter @BGDN_edbeat or visit bgdailynews.com.