“Adolescence,” Netflix’s shocking new drama, forces us to confront an urgent truth: they are being raised by the internet—often in ways we don’t see, don’t understand, and for which we are not prepared. Adolescence comes as a stark reminder of how dangerous this unchecked digital world can be.
We like to believe we know what shapes our children—their schools, their friendships, our values. But the reality is far more disturbing. “Adolescence,” Netflix’s shocking new drama, forces us to confront an urgent truth: They’re being raised by the internet—often in ways we don’t see, don’t understand, and aren’t prepared for. Adolescence comes as a stark reminder of how dangerous this unchecked digital world can be. It’s no coincidence that this topic is dominating the news—it should be. Because we’re in the middle of a crisis, and this series makes it impossible to look the other way.
It’s not just a crime drama—it’s a warning. The series follows a boy who, on the surface, seems like any other kid, but behind the facade, something far more alarming unfolds: how online spaces are shaping boys in ways that parents and teachers don’t see.
Research shows that 69% of boys aged 11 to 14 have already been exposed to hate speech against women online. Knife crime among teenagers has increased by 240% in a decade. Meanwhile, violence against women and girls is escalating, with social media fueling dangerous narratives about power, entitlement and control. What makes Adolescence so powerful is that its main character is easily recognisable. He is not a social outcast or a typical criminal. He is a boy who stays up late at his computer. Who follows the wrong people online. Who absorbs content that distorts his perception of relationships and masculinity. And, like many boys today, he is being shaped not by his parents, teachers or mentors – but by an algorithm that rewards extreme views and an irresponsible digital world.
Many parents assume that their child is safe just because they are at home. But the home is no longer the protective bubble it once was. The most dangerous influences don’t need to be physically present – they just need to be accessible on a screen. Boys aren’t just randomly encountering harmful content – they’re being guided there, manipulated by influencers who teach them that being a man means dominating, that rejection is humiliating, and that women are the enemy.
This is why Adolescence matters – it forces us to ask: would we know if this were happening to our child? Because for many parents, the answer is no. And that needs to change. We can’t wait until a tragedy happens to act. Parents need to be involved in their children’s digital lives, talk openly about what they see, challenge harmful narratives, and ensure children have spaces to process emotions in a healthy way. Schools need to take misogyny and online radicalization seriously, addressing these issues before they escalate. Tech companies need to be held accountable for the content that profits from pushing youth towards extreme views.
The most shocking part of Adolescence isn’t just the crime at the heart of the story – it’s the realization of all the missed opportunities to intervene. We can’t afford to miss them anymore. This series gave a clear warning. The question is: will we listen? Or will we wait until it’s too late – again?
