The Netflix show Adolescence was released on March 13, 2025, and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, recording the biggest audience for any streaming TV show in the UK within a single week. The four-part drama, co-written by actor Stephen Graham, delves into the troubling themes of online misogyny and incel culture, particularly focusing on its impact on young boys. The story centers around 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper, who is accused of murdering his classmate Katie after enduring relentless bullying online.
In the wake of its release, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Adolescence will be aired for free in secondary schools across the UK. This decision underscores the show’s perceived value as an educational tool for students, parents, and teachers alike. Starmer remarked, "we also see acts of extreme violence perpetrated by loners, misfits, young men in their bedroom accessing all manner of material online, desperate for notoriety, sometimes inspired by traditional terrorist groups, but fixated on that extreme violence seeming only for its own sake."
The series has sparked significant discussion about the effects of social media on youth, particularly regarding their emotional intelligence and the influence of misogynistic figures online. It paints a sobering picture of how young people navigate a digital landscape rife with harmful ideologies. Critics argue that while the show highlights crucial issues, it risks oversimplifying the roots of these problems by attributing them primarily to incel culture.
Notably, recent research from Prevent, which is part of the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy, revealed that 22.7% of referrals to their deradicalisation program were related to incel ideology. Additionally, the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) published a report titled Lost Boys: State of the Nation, noting that a quarter of young men are likely watching porn every day or most days. In 2023, the third most Googled person in the world was Andrew Tate, a figure often associated with misogynistic rhetoric.
While the show has garnered praise for its raw performances and compelling storytelling, it has also faced criticism. Some commentators, including former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, dismissed the narrative as “tosh,” arguing that it fails to address the broader issues of teenage violence and knife crime in schools. Johnson claimed that the show suggests that pubescent males are at risk of becoming misogynist psychopaths due to online influences, a notion he finds exaggerated and irrelevant to the real challenges facing teenagers today.
In a column for the Daily Mail, published on April 4, 2025, Johnson stated, "Even if the syndrome identified in Adolescence were widespread – even if our schools were awash with knife-wielding ‘incels’ – I doubt that you will achieve anything positive by getting children to watch a shudder-making story about it." He further asserted that the real damage to teenagers’ life chances comes not from fictional portrayals but from systemic issues and influencers like Andrew Tate.
The backlash against the show has not been limited to political figures. Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter/X, has also criticized Adolescence, pushing a conspiracy theory that the lead character's race was altered and branding the show as “anti-white propaganda.” Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch echoed similar sentiments, questioning whether incel culture is the most pressing issue facing young people today.
Despite the controversy, many educators and mental health professionals believe that Adolescence provides a vital opportunity for discussions about the dangers of online misogyny and the psychological struggles faced by young men. Graham Goulden, an expert behind Police Scotland’s “That Guy” sexual crime prevention campaign, emphasized that while the show has a powerful message for parents, it might not effectively change the behavior of young boys. He argued that a more positive strategy is needed to inspire young men to reject misogynistic influences rather than merely highlighting the dangers.
Goulden stated, "Adolescence does have a powerful message for parents, not young boys. We already have really excellent courses which we really should be investing in. They encourage leadership, confidence, and speaking up against misogyny." He believes that fostering self-awareness and encouraging young men to take positive action in their communities can lead to meaningful change.
As the debate continues, Adolescence remains a crucial part of the conversation surrounding youth, social media, and the complexities of modern masculinity. The series not only reflects the challenges faced by today's teenagers but also invites viewers to consider the broader societal implications of their online behaviors.
In the context of rising violence against women, with reported crimes increasing by 37% between 2018 and 2023, the themes explored in Adolescence resonate deeply. The show serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a collective response to these issues. As society grapples with the realities of misogyny and violence, the lessons drawn from Adolescence could be pivotal in shaping a more informed and empathetic generation.
Ultimately, while Adolescence may provoke polarized reactions, its impact on public discourse about youth, gender, and the challenges posed by online culture cannot be overstated. As it airs in schools across the UK, educators and parents alike will have the opportunity to engage with its themes and foster critical discussions about the world young people inhabit.
