The British screenwriter and playwright Jack Thorne has recently garnered significant attention for his new Netflix show, “Adolescence,” which explores the impact of misogynistic ideas on a 13-year-old boy who commits murder. Released on March 13, the four-part drama quickly became a hit, topping the viewership charts in numerous countries, including the United States.
In the UK, “Adolescence” has sparked renewed discussions surrounding the regulation of children's access to smartphones and harmful online content. The show has been featured in various newspaper articles, with some proclaiming it essential viewing for parents. Advocates for banning phones in schools have noted a marked increase in support following the show’s release.
Prominent political figures have also engaged with the show's themes, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer mentioning it in Parliament while advocating for action against the “fatal consequences” associated with young men accessing harmful online material. Thorne expressed his appreciation for the mention but emphasized the need for concrete legislative action, specifically calling for a ban on social media access for those under 16.
"Adolescence" has emerged amid growing global concerns about smartphone usage’s effects on children's health and development. Countries like Australia and Denmark have implemented restrictions, reflecting a trend towards regulating technology's impact on youth.
Despite the show's critical reception, there appears to be little momentum for a similar legislative approach in the UK. The history of television dramas addressing pressing social issues suggests that “Adolescence” may play a pivotal role in shaping public discourse, reminiscent of impactful works from prior decades.
Director James Strong noted that the relatable nature of the show's narrative, focusing on a typical family, contributes to its resonance. Thorne began developing “Adolescence” after conversations with actor Stephen Graham regarding notable incidents of violence against young girls, which prompted a desire to delve into the motivations behind such actions.
Research into incel culture was instrumental in shaping the show's narrative. Thorne documented his findings after immersing himself in online spaces, leading to revelations about the dangerous allure of harmful ideologies for vulnerable young men. His concerns about his own son's potential exposure to such content heightened his resolve to address these issues through storytelling.
Daisy Greenwell from the organization Smartphone Free Childhood remarked on the pervasive anxiety parents feel regarding their children's smartphone use, indicating that the show resonates deeply with this sentiment. Specific scenes, especially one involving a pivotal psychological interrogation, have struck a chord with viewers.
Erin Doherty, an actress from the show, highlighted the careful production process behind the emotionally charged scenes, suggesting that audience engagement might stem from the show's nuanced approach, which avoids didacticism. Despite Thorne’s advocacy for tech regulation, he has crafted a narrative that acknowledges multiple societal factors contributing to youth violence, stressing the collective responsibility of communities in safeguarding children.
As the conversation around youth, technology, and societal responsibility continues to evolve, “Adolescence” stands as a reflective piece on the complexities surrounding the upbringing of children in a digital age.