Okay movie fans you know when a TV show gets people talking it's usually a good sign. But When the actual Prime Minister of the UK starts mentioning it you know it's really hit a nerve. That's exactly what's happening with the new Netflix drama "Adolescence" and yes even Keir Starmer is tuning in. So what's all the fuss about?
Starmer Says "Adolescence" Highlights a "Growing Problem" Is He Right to Be Concerned?
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has officially weighed in on the "Adolescence" phenomenon. He said the show points to an "emerging and growing problem" and he's not wrong. The four-part series isn't exactly light viewing. It's about a family rocked to its core after their teenage son gets arrested for killing a classmate. Heavy stuff right?
The drama really digs into some tough themes. Think about the dark side of social media and how online influencers are pushing some seriously messed up ideas especially on young guys. Misogyny toxic masculinity it's all there and it is pretty intense. Turns out "Adolescence" became a global hit topping Netflix charts worldwide and sparking conversations everywhere even in Parliament.
Netflix Hit "Adolescence": What's the Drama That Has Politicians and Parents Glued to the Screen?
So what makes "Adolescence" so impactful? For starters it's co-written and stars Stephen Graham an actor known for his powerful performances. The creators Jack Thorne and Graham intentionally wanted to make a show that "causes discussion and makes change". They are not just aiming for entertainment they want to spark a real conversation about some serious issues.
Thorne even said he wants "Adolescence" to be screened in schools and Parliament because he believes "this is only going to get worse". He feels drama can play a crucial role in getting people to talk about uncomfortable truths and push for action. And it seems to be working. Even MPs are saying "everyone" is talking about the show.
From Netflix to Parliament: Calls Grow to Show "Adolescence" in Schools to Tackle Online Misogyny
Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley brought up "Adolescence" in Prime Minister's Questions and asked Starmer to back a campaign to show it in schools and Parliament. She pointed out how the series "highlights online male radicalisation and violence against girls". Midgley wants to use the show to "counter toxic misogyny early" and "give young men the role models they deserve".
Starmer's response? He's on board. He admitted he and his family are actually watching "Adolescence" right now. He mentioned having a teenage son and daughter and finding it "a really good drama to watch" together. He agrees that the violence fueled by online content is "abhorrent" and "we have to tackle it."
While Starmer mentioned government steps like specialist police teams he also stressed that the issues in "Adolescence" are "a matter of culture". He believes "it's important across the whole house that we tackle this emerging and growing problem". Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also echoed these concerns saying the government should be "acutely aware of" the issues raised by the drama.
Gareth Southgate Weighs In: Are Gaming Porn and "Manosphere" Influencers Harming Young Men?
The conversation around "Adolescence" is also connecting to wider discussions about masculinity and online influence. Former England manager Gareth Southgate recently gave a lecture where he spoke out about the "manosphere". He worries young men are spending too much time gaming gambling and watching pornography and are being influenced by negative online figures.
Southgate argues that young men need better role models beyond online influencers. This aligns with the concerns raised by "Adolescence" creators and politicians – that there's a need to actively shape positive influences for young people especially in the digital age.
Is "Adolescence" a Must-Watch? Key Themes and Why It's Sparking Debate:
- Online Radicalisation: The drama explores how social media and online influencers contribute to male radicalisation and misogyny.
- Youth Violence: It tackles the disturbing issue of violence against girls committed by young boys and seeks to understand the root causes.
- Incel Culture: "Adolescence" shines a light on incel culture and its potential to attract and negatively influence young males.
- Need for Education: Creators and politicians are calling for screenings in schools to spark discussion and educate young people about online dangers and healthy relationships.
- Cultural Problem: The issues are framed not just as individual problems but as a wider "cultural problem" requiring broad societal attention and action.
Moving Beyond Drama: Can Starmer's Government Turn "Adolescence" Awareness into Real Action?
The question now is whether the buzz around "Adolescence" will translate into tangible changes. Labour MPs are forming groups to push for tougher online safety measures. There's discussion about raising the age of social media consent and strengthening the Online Safety Act. Campaigners are calling for better relationships and sex education in schools and for tech platforms to do more to protect young people from harmful content.
Starmer's government has pledged to address violence against women and girls. "Adolescence" is providing a stark and timely reminder of the urgent need to tackle online misogyny and its real-world consequences. Whether this Netflix drama can actually lead to meaningful change remains to be seen but it has definitely started a crucial conversation at the highest levels.