Netflix’s Adolescence has sparked global debate, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressing his desire to see the series in high schools as a cautionary educational tool against the toxic “manosphere.” The series, which follows the story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, has garnered over 66 million views. The manosphere is a collection of digital spaces that promote extremist sexist views under the guise of male empowerment.
A growing body of research shows that some young people are being influenced by these views, and Adolescence fits into this framing. Young men often avoid seeking help for depression or anxiety because it makes them seem vulnerable and not masculine. Social media can function as a “super peer” for insecure teens, shaping attitudes and behaviors, much like a big brother or sister. Extremist content preys on insecurity by offering simplistic answers to complex questions about who they are and how they should behave.
Watching Adolescence with your child can serve as a starting point for crucial discussions about gender, identity, and online influences. As a dramatic series rather than a documentary, its value lies in its ability to provoke questions and start conversations, rather than providing answers. Parents and teens should create spaces where adults and teens can critically examine how they use social media, identity, and relationships. Good discussions can start anywhere from a Netflix drama, to a news article, or a student’s personal experience.
