When I first heard about Adolescence, the gripping Netflix mini-series created by Jack Thorne and starring Stephen Graham, I knew it was something I wanted to watch. As a parent of three teenagers, I’m always looking for ways to engage them in meaningful conversations, and this limited series presented the perfect opportunity.
We gathered as a family over the course of a few nights to watch the four episodes and started watching the Netflix drama Adolescence, which follows the story of Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper, a 13-year-old schoolboy accused of the murder of a female classmate. The series, executive produced by Thorne and Graham, is both intense and thought-provoking. It left us all reeling — and talking. As a mum, I couldn’t help but reflect on the powerful themes explored in the series and how they relate to the challenges my children face today.
The Dangers of Social Media: What Parents Need to Know
One of the most striking elements of Adolescence was its portrayal of social media as both a lifeline for teens and a potential danger zone. The show doesn’t hold back, tackling issues like cyberbullying, knife crime and the harmful ideologies teens can be exposed to online. Watching scenes depicting the dangers of online platforms hit particularly close to home. My teens shared their own stories of classmates being targeted on social media, making the drama feel even more personal.
During one powerful scene in Episode 2, when Jamie is arrested in his family home for the murder of a classmate, the emotional toll of social media manipulation becomes painfully clear. The detective in charge, DI Luke Bascombe, played by Ashley Walters, highlights how online interactions can spiral out of control, with devastating consequences.
The series also highlighted the increasingly sinister use of emojis in social media, which can be used to subtly threaten or intimidate others. This reminded me of the Periodic Table of Sinister Emojis created by Amit Kalley from the site www.forworkingparents.com. It breaks down the meanings behind various emojis, helping parents and teens alike understand their hidden messages and warning signs. Sharing this with my teens helped them feel better equipped to recognise potentially harmful interactions online.
To help parents navigate this, I suggest:
- Open Communication: Regularly talk (not nag) to your teens about their social media use.
- Monitoring Tools: Use apps that allow you to keep tabs on their online activity without being overly intrusive.
- Setting Boundaries: Establish screen-free times, especially during family meals or bedtime.
Masculinity Under Pressure: Raising Boys in Today’s World
Another significant theme in Adolescence is the portrayal of modern masculinity. The series delves into the world of incel culture, toxic masculinity, and the pressures young boys face to conform to outdated gender expectations. This sparked some serious conversations with my sons about the importance of emotional resilience, respect, and empathy.
In one memorable scene, Jamie’s school becomes the backdrop for discussions about male rage and the growing problem of misogyny online. As a mum, I felt a strong responsibility to ensure my sons felt safe expressing vulnerability rather than suppressing their emotions.
The therapist’s interactions with Jamie were especially impactful. In episode 3, Jamie’s emotional volatility—one minute vulnerable, the next explosive—was incredibly moving. It revealed a side of Jamie that felt raw and real, showing how unprocessed pain can manifest in unpredictable ways. This scene was tough to watch, and it led to some heartfelt conversations with my teens about how emotions can build up and what they can do if they’re feeling overwhelmed.
My advice to parents navigating these topics is:
- Encourage Emotional Openness: Let your sons know it’s okay to express their feelings.
- Challenge Toxic Messages: Counter harmful stereotypes they may encounter online.
- Promote Positive Role Models: Introduce them to male figures who demonstrate kindness, respect, and emotional strength.
Using Media to Start Difficult Conversations
One of the most valuable outcomes of watching Adolescence together was the way it opened the door to meaningful conversations with my teens. The series doesn’t shy away from tough topics like gender-based violence, mental health, and peer pressure — subjects that can be challenging for parents to introduce naturally.
By using the series as a springboard, we were able to discuss:
- How to handle online harassment or threats
- Why it’s important to speak up if they feel pressured or unsafe
- The impact of peer pressure and the power of walking away from harmful situations
For parents looking to use media as a conversation starter, I recommend:
- Watching Together: Sit down with your teens rather than leaving them to view content alone.
- Asking Open-Ended Questions: Questions like “What did you think about that scene?” can encourage deeper discussion.
- Creating a Safe Space: Let your teens know they can share their thoughts without fear of judgment.
Conclusion
Watching Adolescence on Netflix as a family was an emotional but powerful experience. It shone a light on the struggles young people face today — from social media pressures to toxic masculinity — and gave us a valuable opportunity to connect and talk openly. I’d highly recommend this limited series to parents seeking to understand their teens better and tackle important issues head-on.
If you’re a parent navigating the tricky teenage years, Adolescence is more than just a Netflix drama — it’s a conversation starter that can bring families closer together.