LONDON — The producers of the popular Netflix show “Adolescence” have ignited an important discussion across Britain about the need to safeguard children from violent attitudes and harmful content found on social media.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with the show’s creators at Downing Street to discuss strategies for enhancing child protection. Starmer has endorsed Netflix’s initiative to offer the series for free in secondary schools, aiming to ensure as many young people as possible can see it.
The series, filmed in England, tackles serious topics through the story of a 13-year-old boy accused of fatally stabbing a classmate, sparking a debate about the role of social media and its impact on young minds that often goes unnoticed by parents and educators.
Since its release in March, “Adolescence” has garnered over 66 million views globally, making it one of the most discussed shows in the UK in recent times.
Starmer expressed that it was challenging to watch the series with his own children. However, he believes that making the show available in schools will help young people grasp the reality of misogyny, the risks of online radicalization, and the importance of building healthy relationships.
“It seems the entire nation is discussing ‘Adolescence’,” he stated. “As a father, it is difficult to view this content with my kids, as it reflects the very fears and worries we all face as parents.”
He emphasized that there’s no single solution to these issues, highlighting the broader implications of misogyny in society.
Jack Thorne, a co-writer of “Adolescence,” noted that the intent behind the show was to spark conversation. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to bring these discussions into schools.
Actor Stephen Graham, who portrays the boy’s father, emphasized that the narrative seeks to understand everyday life for the accused. He raised concerns about the tendency to only look at family backgrounds during discussions of youth violence, suggesting that responsibility might be shared among schools, communities, and society as a whole.
Soma Sara, the founder of a charity dedicated to confronting child-on-child sexual violence, has stressed that alarming signs indicate these issues are creeping down to children younger than ten. Her organization, Everyone’s Invited, has amassed numerous anonymous accounts detailing abusive experiences in schools.
Sara pointed out that efforts to ban social media for children, like Australia’s recent move to restrict access for those under sixteen, may not be practical. Instead, she advocates for educational initiatives that help children critically assess the harmful narratives they encounter online.
“We need parents to be more informed about the digital world their kids are navigating. Apps like Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are where children spend a lot of their time,” she remarked.
The rising popularity of “Adolescence” coincides with increasing worries over children’s smartphone usage and their exposure to inappropriate content, propelled by controversial figures who promote misogyny online.
Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, pointed out the clear negative impact of such influences. In the UK, over one million crimes related to violence against women and girls are reported each year, making up a fifth of all recorded crime.
“This is a collective issue we all face. ‘Adolescence’ illustrates that when a child is accused, it reflects on all of us,” Sara concluded. “It’s crucial to recognize that we are all part of the solution.”
