ANDOVER, Mass. — A month after “13 Reasons Why” was released on Netflix, Massachusetts educators are warning parents the show’s graphic depiction of a teenager’s suicide could put vulnerable students at risk.

Superintendent Dr. Sheldon Berman of the Andover, Massachusetts, public schools said the show is sparking conversations during a time when the community is still reeling from the suicide of a student last year.

“The one thing I want to be careful of is that we ensure that we are having these kinds of conversations with our children, and that parents are aware,” said Berman. “They may not be aware of what children are watching.”

The series, based on a 2007 novel with the same title by Jay Asher, centers around 17-year-old Hannah Baker, who kills herself and leaves behind cassette tapes for the people she believes were responsible in some way for her decision to commit suicide.

Netflix released the entire 13 episodes of the series — one for each side of a tape — at the end of March.

“Hey, it’s Hannah, Hannah Baker,” the first tape begins. “Settle in, because I’m about to tell you the story of my life, more specifically why my life ended. And if you’re listening to this tape, you’re one of the reasons why.”

The educators letters to parents included reference to the National Association of School Psychologists, which issued this statement: “The series, which many teenagers are binge watching without adult guidance and support, is raising concerns from suicide prevention experts about the potential risks posed by the sensationalized treatment of youth suicide.”

The association did acknowledge the series could serve as a door to conversation with young people, and “an opportunity to better understand young people’s experiences, thoughts, and feelings,” with the caveat that young viewers will likely need the support of adults to process the information they take in.

In response to the controversy, Netflix has promised to add additional viewer content warnings at the beginning of the series, where before there were only warnings ahead of specific episodes that graphically depict scenarios of rape and suicide.

Superintendent Dr. Judith Scannell of the Methuen, Massachusetts, public schools said students “are totally intrigued by the entire series. It was alarming to us because this is very graphic, it speaks to students at a very very delicate point in their lives, ages 13 to 17.”

Scannell encouraged parents to discuss the series with their children due to its graphic nature.

The series is rated TV-MA, described by the FCC as intended to be viewed by mature, adult audiences and may be unsuitable for children under 17. But the show — like the book it is based on — is intended for teenagers and young adults.

Krista McQueeney, an associate professor at Merrimack College who researches media and violence, said she’s concerned about show’s depiction of suicide and sexual assault, but that it can have a positive impact on students if discussed openly.

“What I find effective is when school systems give parents and guardians talking points to initiate conversations with young people about these difficult issues,” she said. “This can be especially helpful for parents who didn’t grow up in today’s digital society and/or may be uncomfortable navigating conversations about sensitive topics.”

McQueeney said most young people are able to “distinguish between fantasy and reality,” but the show still caused some concern because of its portrayal of an environment where teens feel there are no supportive adults.

“The series reinforces images of a secretive teen culture where adults can play no positive role,” McQueeney said. “According to mental health experts, seeking out a trusted adult — either by a friend or the teen her/himself — is one of the keys to preventing suicide.  And if youth can report, achieve justice, and heal from sexual assaults, adults must play a significant part.”

Zoe Matthews is a reporter for The Eagle-Tribune of North Andover, Massachusetts. Contact her at zmatthews@eagletribune.com.