Here's why we think Adolescence, a brand new crime drama on Netflix, needs to be seen by as many parents and teens as possible.
Parenting in the digital age is presenting this generation of parents with challenges that we could never have expected or prepared for. Being a teenager with the internet in your pocket is also overwhelming, frightening, and can feel inescapable. Pair this with increases in violence among teens and a sickening rise is radicalising young boys with misogynistic culture from the likes Andrew Tate, and the task creating a healthy and safe environment for our kids to grow up in begins to feel insurmountable.
Themes surrounding social media, Gen Z, and bullying
We know that social media is harmful for our kids, but often we feel powerless to stop it. I was recently inspired by a viral social media post featuring Kate Winslet, that encourages parents to ‘just say no’. And while this message is inspiring, it’s not often practical or realistic when we need our teens to have phones to communicate with us (especially as as they navigate their way around public transport in safe Singapore.)
And so, in an era where the complexities of teenage life and bullying are magnified by social media, Netflix’s crime drama ‘Adolescence’ emerges as a jarring reflection of the struggles faced by our kids, and us as their parents, and our wider communities. This series is not just compelling to watch. It’s essential. It could happen to any one of our families, and this series was a conversation starter that resonated deeply with my husband and I, and our teenagers. Harrowing, confronting, and all-too-real, but so important to highlight the challenges we are all facing.
Warning: Adolescence on Netflix is hard to watch
Each episode of the limited four part series was filmed largely in one continuous shot in real time, which elevates the drama and intensity. The opening credits of ‘Adolescence’ simply show two photos of a smiling young boy – the picture of innocence. There is an abrupt shift to the arrest of a teenage boy at his home, on suspicion of murder, and he soils himself. This scene sets the tone for the whole series as a visual metaphor for how being exposed to an adult world too early is having serious effects on our children, and they can’t handle it. After five minutes, I already had tears in my eyes. Take note, this series is very difficult to watch, but you shouldn’t give up. You need to keep watching.
The plot of Adolescence on Netflix (no spoilers)
The storyline follows a group of high school friends in a suburban town in England, who find themselves entangled in a web of crime after the death of a classmate. Jamie Miller is a bright but troubled teen, who grapples with feelings of anger and frustration stemming from his tumultuous home life and bullying from his classmates. As the narrative unfolds, we see how a single moment of rage can spiral into chaos, affecting not just the people involved, but the entire community.
‘Adolescence’ is an acutely uncomfortable display of the damaging effects social media and bullying is having on our teenagers. The show also explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and identity, all while highlighting the darker undercurrents of youth culture. We get to see the drivers of Jamie’s turbulent emotions and his reactions. ‘Adolescence’ raises critical questions about the changing perceptions of masculinity, male anger and the societal expectations of young men, but it doesn’t offer a lot of commentary around what we can do about it.
Exploring the theme of masculinity in today’s world, and the rise of the ‘manosphere’
Ever heard of the manosphere? It’s a collective term for a collection of websites and chat groups that support male interests – but not in a healthy way. Influencers such as Andrew Tate are drivers of this phenomenon, and in ‘Adolescence’ on Netflix, teenager Jamie is immersed in this content. One of the most striking elements of ‘Adolescence’ is its unflinching portrayal of male anger. The series delves into the societal conditioning that often equates masculinity with aggression and emotional suppression. Through Jamie’s character, viewers witness the internal struggle of a young man trying to reconcile his feelings in a world that often dismisses vulnerability as weakness.
The show doesn’t shy away from depicting the consequences of this anger. It explores how violent youth culture can manifest in various ways. This ranges from bullying and physical confrontations to the more insidious forms of aggression seen in social media interactions. By highlighting these issues, ‘Adolescence’ on Netflix encourages discussions about mental health, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the need for healthier expressions of masculinity.
The language of emojis for Gen Z
In today’s digital landscape, social media plays a pivotal role in shaping the identities and experiences of our teenagers. ‘Adolescence’ on Netflix cleverly incorporates this aspect, showcasing how platforms like Instagram and Snapchat can amplify feelings of inadequacy and isolation. I learned so much from this series, such as how emojis can mean completely different things to teens as they speak their own ever-changing digital language. Bullying can take many forms, so that even when we check our teens phones and messages, we may not understand what we are reading. The cyber bullying can happen in plain sight of adults and we would have no idea.
Why you should watch ‘Adolescence’ with your teenagers
Watching ‘Adolescence’ on Netflix with teenagers offers a unique opportunity for open dialogue between parents and teens. The show serves as a catalyst for discussions about the pressures our teenagers are facing and the pervasive influence of social media. It’s also a great opportunity to talk about the challenges our boys are facing, and have the girls join in the discussions too. While my son had heard all about Andrew Tate and had heard some worryingly untrue stories about him, my daughter knew his name but hadn’t been exposed to his content.
The conversations we had around this series illustrated to me the duality of social media for a teen. In their minds, social media feels ‘essential’ for inclusion and to connect with their friends, and often provides a sense of belonging. The flip side to this are the dangers of social media, and how it can also exacerbate feelings of loneliness, anger, fear of missing out, and bullying.
In ‘Adolescence’, as Jamie and his friends navigate their online interactions, as a family we paused and opened discussions to reflect on our own social media habits and the impact these platforms have on our personal mental well-being. I shared with the kids that I also feel the pressure when posting something to socials, which is why I post to my personal platforms so rarely. Fear of judgement, sharing too much personal information online, and protecting our privacy became strong talking points.
Moreover, the series is a reminder that while the teenage years can be tumultuous, they are also a time for growth, connection, and self-discovery. By watching Adolescence on Netflix together as a family, we can navigate these themes together. The aim is to create a safe space for conversations that might otherwise be difficult to initiate.
What can we do?
As parents, we need to continually educate ourselves on teen culture, and try to open safe space for conversations. Watching this series was a stark reminder to me to monitor their screen time more closely, and to make sure I am spending regular one-on-one time with each of my teenagers. I’ve just booked in a snack date with each of them to check in and just chat, to make sure they are ok, and remind them again that social media isn’t real and comparison is the thief of joy. Devices are not allowed in bedrooms or bathrooms or other private spaces in our house. Taking actions like these are simple ways we can try to keep them safe.
Navigating society is more complex, and something we as a family are still struggling to do. I encourage my kids to show their emotions, to cry when they want to, and to support each other. But the outside world is harsh, and harmful. I’ve learned that one of the most important things we can do as parents is to bolster their self confidence. There are plenty of people, adults and kids alike, who are ready to shame and bully them. Being a safe place for understanding and support, even when disciplining, is essential. Check out our webinar episode on respectful parenting and this feature on carrot-and-stick parenting for some ideas.
A gripping exploration of masculinity, Gen-Z culture, and the digital age
Adolescence is more than just a crime drama; it’s a mirror reflecting the challenges of being a teenager today. By watching it together as a family, it can open the door to the learning about our teens online experiences, friendship challenges, and what they are exposed to on a regular basis. While this is difficult viewing, Adolescence is also an important depiction of understanding and empathy, as it works to bridge the gap between generations in an increasingly complex online world. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare for a viewing experience that is seriously thought-provoking – and keep those conversations flowing.
What did you think about ‘Adolescence?’ Send us a note to share your thoughts.
