The Netflix series Adolescence, created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, has taken the world by storm since its release earlier this month, quickly becoming one of the most watched shows globally. This gripping four-part drama follows a 13-year-old boy, Jamie, who finds himself embroiled in a serious incident when he is accused of murdering a classmate. The series doesn't shy away from exploring the complex themes of bullying, incel culture, and the intricate web of social media that many young people navigate today.
Thorne, who is known for his poignant storytelling, has suggested that to protect children from the toxic influence of online content, more stringent measures should be put in place. "We do believe perhaps the answer to this is in parliament and legislating – and taking kids away from their phones in school and taking kids away from social media altogether," Thorne said during an interview.
With its raw and realistic portrayal of teenage life, Adolescence has sparked widespread conversation. This is especially true in light of recent high-profile incidents involving young boys engaging in violent and troubling behavior. Stephen Graham, who not only stars in the show but also co-wrote it, expressed his concern: "I just thought, what's going on in society where this kind of thing is becoming a regular occurrence?" His comments were echoed by Sir Gareth Southgate, former England manager, who emphasized the necessity for young men to have healthy role models and guidance.
On March 19, 2025, the show was highlighted during Prime Minister’s Questions by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. He remarked on the "emerging and growing problem" of violence among young men influenced by online content, calling it "abhorrent" and taking a firm stance that it is essential to tackle such issues head-on. This recognition in Parliament has amplified calls for reform.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ben Russell of the Metropolitan Police praised the series for addressing violence against women in a "significant way." He remarked, "When TV programmes are serious, thoughtful and address issues that are often unspoken, that can be a significant way to raise attention, public discourse, and understanding." Russell pointed out the factors influencing violence, emphasizing that early signs in children can lead to serious concerns later in life.
In addition to government and police responses, various community leaders are stepping in to fill the gaps in support left by traditional systems. Martin Bisp, CEO of Empire Fighting Chance, a Bristol-based boxing club that also provides mentoring, noted, "If views are expressed that aren't right, it's about challenging those views." Programs that offer mentorship, especially to young boys, are increasingly recognized as critical to steering them away from toxic ideologies.
<!-- Actor Lewis Pemberton who plays a troubled character in the series also suggests that personal influences matter. He described his father as a hard worker and role model, saying, "The world's my oyster and I've just got to do everything I can and do it 100%." This sentiment resonates throughout the show, highlighting the disparity between familial support and the isolation experienced by many young people today.</p>
In summary, Adolescence not only entertains but also serves a purpose. Thorne and Graham have accepted an invitation to meet with MPs to delve deeper into the issues raised by the show, specifically regarding online influence on youth and potential legislative actions to safeguard vulnerable users. The discussions aim to cultivate a more protective environment for young people as they navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape.
As Thorne stated, there is an opportunity here. "We can use this moment to provoke this government to consider quite serious change." With Australia implementing strict regulations to prevent under-16s from creating social media accounts, perhaps similar measures could be mobilized in the UK to ensure a safer online space for its youth. In the end, Adolescence could very well be the catalyst for change needed to address these troubling societal issues.
