Our views at IXL Tutors on Adolescence (Netflix, 2025)
Adolescence
“Adolescence” is a 2025 British crime which was released onto Netflix in March in the UK and since then has caused a wider discussion around the difficulties of being young in the new digital age. The premise centres on 13-year-old Jamie Miller, portrayed by Owen Cooper, who is arrested for the murder of his classmate, Katie Leonard which also stars Stephen Graham.
The series was made to spark discussion around the dangers of radicalisation in the young, bullying and how to deal with sensitive issues that are very prominent in society right now. The hope it to have conversations around such complex discussions to see how social media itself, changes the way young people view the world.
There are four key take aways that we believe are important for students to understand with “Adolescence”
- The Influence of Social Media and Online Platforms:
The series brings to life the real dangers of the incel communities and exposure to such toxic environments on what impact this can have on young people. The dark tones and violent discussions serve as a cautionary tale about how content assumed online and the ways in which communicates can impact a young person.
- Consequence of Bullying and Cyberbullying:
This series sheds light on the devastating effects that bullying can have on someone online and in person. Jamie’s experience can bring to line the tragic outcomes that can come with relentless online harassment. This emphasises the importance of always fostering empathy and ensuring that bullying is addressed head on in all forms.
- Ideas of Masculinity and Expectations:
This series encourages the viewers to reflect on what masculinity is and what society pressure is put on young males to showcase this. Jamie’s internal struggles highlight the pressures boys face to conform to certain masculine ideals, encouraging discussions about healthy expressions of masculinity and the rejection of harmful stereotypes. There is also discussions around influence of the wrong masculine stereotypes.
- Parental Awareness of Online Communities
This series encourages viewers to have an open communication between partners and children to understand the online world. The need for parents to see what their children are viewing and how this can shape their idea of what the world. Setting positive examples, sharing views and being informed about their children’s digital landscape
Conclusion
Overall, this series has gained widespread critical acclaim and has made viewers unsettled causing discussions to be seen all the way in Government. For students this series should serve as a mirror into the realities of growing up in a digital world and a warning of the positive consequences.
If anyone feels affected by watching Adolescence, it’s important to acknowledge their emotions and take steps to process them in a healthy way. They should talk to someone about their emotions to process what they feel.