Netflix's 'Adolescence' to Screen in UK Schools to Start Dialogue on Social Media Harms

The hit Netflix series ‘Adolescence’ has sparked a nationwide conversation in the UK and beyond about safeguarding children from violent misogyny and harmful content on social media. Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently hosted the show's creators at Downing Street to discuss child protection initiatives in response to its impact.

Starmer's office announced support for Netflix's decision to offer free streaming of the drama to secondary schools across the country. This move aims to reach as many teens as possible, addressing the complex issues portrayed in the series.

Filmed in England, ‘Adolescence’ delves into the challenging aftermath of a 13-year-old boy's accusation in the fatal stabbing of a schoolgirl, exploring the role of social media interactions largely hidden from adults. Since its March release, the drama has garnered 66.3 million views worldwide, becoming a focal point of discussions on social issues in the UK.

Starmer said it was difficult watching the drama with his 14-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son. But showing the drama widely in schools will “help students better understand the impact of misogyny, dangers of online radicalisation and the importance of healthy relationships," his office said.

“It seems like the whole nation is talking about 'Adolescence' and not just this nation,” Starmer said. “As a dad, I have not found it easy to watch this with children, because it connects with the fears and worries that you have as parents and adults.”

“There isn't one single policy lever to pull. It's actually a much bigger problem than that,” he added. “And that's the devastating effect that the problem of misogyny has on our society.”

Jack Thorne, co-writer of ‘Adolescence’, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring these conversations into schools, aiming to stimulate dialogue among students and educators.