«Adolescence» – a worthwhile imposition

As things stand today, «Adolescence» is one of the most successful Netflix series of all time. With over 100 million streams worldwide, it has outstripped the most popular US series since its launch in March 2025 and is sparking debate.

The series has struck a nerve: how much do parents really know about what their children are doing on computers and smartphones?

The British production does not rely on well-known superstars or spectacular action scenes. The four-part series seems to have struck a nerve: how much do parents and educators really know about what children are doing on computers and smartphones? What can happen when parents overlook warning signs and their children drift unnoticed into radical online communities?

At first glance, the series may look like a typical crime drama. In fact, «Adolescence» is an extremely disturbing, demanding drama – and a challenging viewing experience that is well worth watching.

What is it about?

At the beginning of the first episode, 13-year-old Jamie Miller is arrested on suspicion of murdering a classmate. Although the boy protests his innocence, surveillance video footage shows him committing the crime with a knife.

At first, the police are in the dark about his motives. But it soon becomes clear that the victim had bullied and humiliated the perpetrator online. In a key episode, an experienced psychological expert explores Jamie's emotional depths and reaches her personal limits. The final episode shows the tragic consequences for Jamie's parents and his older sister.

What makes the series so intense?

The fact that «Adolescence» can have such an incredibly oppressive and intense effect is mainly due to its unique narrative style. Each of the hour-long episodes takes place in real time and was shot in one elaborate take – without any cuts. This not only gives the series a fast pace, but also draws viewers even deeper into the action. You get almost frighteningly close to the protagonists.

Another reason is the true background to the fictional story. In 2020, two young girls were murdered by teenage perpetrators in England. This gave actor and screenwriter Stephen Graham the idea for the miniseries, which he developed together with his co-writer Jack Thorne.

Of course, the series is an exaggeration. Not every teenager who is rejected by a girl becomes radicalised on the internet and then turns into a murderer.

The latest figures demonstrate just how topical this issue is: in 2023/24, knife-related violence committed by young people in England rose by nine percent. Numerous children and young people ended up in hospital with stab wounds, and 40 died.

Of course, «Adolescence» is a dramatic exaggeration. Not every teenager who is rejected by a girl becomes radicalised on the internet and then turns into a murderer.

What influence can the Internet have on these acts of violence?

There are terms and movements on the internet that many parents have probably never heard of. In «Adolescence,» for example, Jamie was murdered and then publicly mocked as an «incel» on social media, where all his classmates could see it. This is short for «involuntary celibate,» meaning someone who is abstaining from sex against their will.

Incels are men who are unsuccessful with women. Their resulting frustration has now developed into a veritable subculture on the internet, which blames women and the women's liberation movement for their single status. This is why their representatives express themselves online in a strikingly aggressive and extremely misogynistic manner , and do not shy away from violent fantasies.

Incels are associated with the so-called manosphere. The manosphere is an online culture spread across forums, blogs and social media channels that propagates supposed superior masculinity and is characterised by pronounced misogyny, sexism and hatred. This devastating mix appeals particularly to young men and can lead to their radicalisation.

Andrew Tate is considered one of their leading idols. The influencer and former kickboxer reaches an audience of millions with his questionable statements on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. He is a role model for young men seeking guidance. The streaming series also alludes to this without explicitly mentioning his name.

Laisser-faire does not pay off. Young people interpret this not as generosity, but as indifference.

Influencers promoting toxic masculinity are not just an issue in English-speaking countries – they are now also the subject of intense debate here in Switzerland. «The hate messages they spread are aimed at boys who are still impressionable,» explained National Councillor Christophe Clivaz (Green Party, VS) recently in the Tamedia newspapers. «This is not just anecdotal evidence – there is an urgent need for action.»

What lessons can parents learn from this?

In «Adolescence», the parents did nothing when their 13-year-old son was still sitting at the computer after midnight. Children and young people need clear boundaries in terms of content and time when using media – and they need their sleep. A laissez-faire approach does not pay off. Young people interpret this not as generosity, but as indifference.

In another key scene, the police officer is confronted by his school-age son, who points out that he is misinterpreting the emojis in the chat history and therefore cannot recognise the motive for the murder, i.e. the mockery.

However, it is difficult, if not impossible, for adults to gain an overview of all the codes used in youth culture. By communicating closely with children, however, everyone can stay up to date on such topics. After all, emojis are and will remain an important part of youth communication. They convey feelings when the right words are missing.

«adolescence can have a preventive effect and provide important opportunities for discussion. However, the series can also be overwhelming, disturbing or even traumatic.

Another finding from «Adolescence» concerns the school environment. Bullying among pupils is a daily occurrence at the school depicted. Teachers react inappropriately, helplessly or turn a blind eye. Bullying may have many causes. But when there is a lack of security and appreciation at school, this can further exacerbate frustration and aggression among young people.

Should we watch «Adolescence» with the children?

The series is rated 12+. In England, Adolescence is being streamed free of charge in schools since Prime Minister Keir Starmer watched it with his children. If Adolescence is to be used as a deterrent, such screenings are likely to be counterproductive.

However, if there is a framework in which reflection is encouraged by adults, there is no reason not to watch it. adolescence can have a preventive effect and provides important opportunities for discussion. However, the maturity of young people should be taken into account here; in the worst case, the series can overwhelm, disturb or even traumatise them. Parents should always watch it alone first and only then decide whether and how they want to discuss it with their children.