‘13 Reasons Why’ is the newest Netflix phenomenon, and it's sparked debate about whether it's helping or hurting teens struggling with suicidal thoughts and bullying at school.

The Netflix show tells the emotional story of Hannah Baker, a high school student, who commits suicide and explains why she did it through cassette tapes.

’13 Reasons Why’ has been controversial. Some believing the graphic nature opens up the dialog to suicide prevention and mental health issues. Others believe it is too intense and could negatively bring struggling teens to copy the shows main character, but one theme from the show local professionals agreed upon.

“Bullying and the emotional impact it had on the adolescents,” Shelley Smith, the chief executive officer for West Texas Centers.

For students struggling with mental health issues, parents need to be aware of warning signs to look for.

“Really watch your kids and watch out for those subtle behavioral changes that can be a warning that something's not right,” Smith says. “Their grades start slipping, or their friends change suddenly, or they are a child who is normal involved with everything and suddenly are isolating, and talk to them.”

A major issue for the Odessa High School counselors was the lack of positive advice or solutions for students suffering.

“Kids are immersed in a 13 hour negative emotional experience where they’re seeing adults treating kids badly by and kids treating kids badly with almost no help offered,” said David Mongher, the student assistance counselor.

As counselors see the effects of ‘13 Reasons Why,’ they want to make sure one message is clear: if you need help, please go and find it, you are not alone.

“Talk to someone talk to a counselor, a teacher, a church member, a friend,” student support counselor Tim Brower said. “Don’t go through this alone, someone cares about you.”

Counselors wished the series gave more advice for students watching the show to reach out for help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation you can call the suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255

State wide, law makers are aiming to put an end to cyberbullying all together.

Just this month the Texas senate unanimously voted to pass what is known as "David’s Law".

The bill would enforce stricter penalties for cyberbullying.

It would require school districts to adopt policies and procedures in regards to the cyberbullying and make it a criminal offense with possible jail time for repeat offenders who cyber bully victims under the age of 18 with the intent to cause self-harm or suicide.