Every parent with teenagers has probably felt a chill watching Netflix’s “Adolescence.” It begins with a jarring scene: armed police storm into a home to arrest a bewildered 13-year-old boy for murder in front of his stunned parents. At first glance, it seems like a tragic error. However, Jamie’s Instagram account starts revealing hints everyone, including the police, parents, and teachers, failed to notice.
The plot touches on themes related to figures like Andrew Tate, representing misogynistic “manosphere” influencers, though the narrative isn’t really about radicalization. Instead, it delves into the public nature of growing up today. A world where one wrong move, like sending private photos, can lead to public humiliation in seconds, and playground scuffles are instantly broadcasted, exacerbating feelings of shame and alienation. Many young women report being afraid of their male peers, according to a survey by the Lost Boys project at the Centre for Social Justice. But lurking beneath that perceived bravado is the boys’ own fears of rejection.
Labour MP Anneliese Midgley recently asked Keir Starmer about this very issue, noting he’s been watching the show with his kids. It’s a curious scenario, especially since just two weeks ago, the government resisted a proposal to ban under-16s from social media. So, what insights has the prime minister gleaned?
As a mother to a teenage son, I approach these broad discussions with caution, weary of painting boys with the same brush—either as broken or as breaking others. Thankfully, our world is still home to countless smart, friendly, and balanced young boys whose most significant offenses might be cleaning out the fridge or ignoring their messy rooms. But when they struggle, often, it’s challenging to find them the right support. Gareth Southgate, former England football manager, wisely highlighted this when he warned about the perils of manipulative and toxic influencers. Yet, his more crucial message was about perseverance, reinforcing that early failures can lead to later successes. Even Harry Kane faced setbacks, being released by Arsenal in his youth.
Southgate also emphasized the need for more adult male figures in boys’ lives—whether as educators, coaches, or mentors. This sentiment found an echo in a group of Labour MPs advocating for extended paternity leave and ways to encourage fathers to be more present. One of “Adolescence’s” more touching moments is its nuanced portrayal of fatherhood, with Jamie’s dad trying to stand by his son, and the lead detective reassessing his relationship with his own child.
This dialogue reflects ongoing discussions within the Labour Party regarding the rise of populism in the UK and the US, where many Gen Z males supported Trump over Kamala Harris. Professor Becky Francis’s government-led review of the educational curriculum sheds light on its inadequacies for students, particularly boys, who don’t take the traditional academic path to university. This might be a starting point for giving young men more opportunities without infringing on women’s rights.
Yet, absent from the conversation is much-needed regulation of the harmful content saturating teenage boys’ digital spaces and more robust family support systems. From early interventions in nurseries addressing emotional development to reinforced mental health services, these steps are crucial. While the tale of a young murderer erupting without warning might make for gripping Netflix drama, it’s not the norm in real-life police work.
Consider the recent sentencing of 19-year-old Nicholas Prosper, who received 49 years for the brutal killing of his family and planning a school massacre. Despite obvious signs of his detachment and discomfort with social interactions, Prosper retreated online, obsessed with violent acts and depraved content. Prosper’s parents noted his behavior changes but struggled to get him the support he needed. Tragically, his mother and siblings paid the ultimate price for confronting him on that fateful day, likely preventing even greater tragedy at the school.
Prosper’s case aligns with findings from Jonathan Hall, the government’s independent terrorism reviewer, highlighting a new pattern of would-be spree killers operating without past convictions or clear ideologies—often boys, heavily influenced by the internet. After his crimes, Prosper was diagnosed with autism, yet the judge emphasized this diagnosis wasn’t directly linked to his actions; other psychiatric evaluations suggested psychopathic tendencies.
While there’s debate about the potential overdiagnosis of mental health issues among teenagers, Prosper’s situation underscores the challenges many families face with underdiagnosis and navigating a maze of systemic shortcomings, all while managing potentially dangerous situations at home.
Hall argues these crimes wouldn’t occur without the internet, a medium that offers vulnerable individuals the notion that violence might be their answer. With new regulatory powers handed to Ofcom, it’s imperative the watchdog uses its authority effectively, with political support ready to intervene if necessary. The creators of “Adolescence” have successfully opened a dialogue between parents and kids about tough issues. Now, it’s time for politicians to address and mitigate the real-world problems these stories highlight.
