Is This the Most Terrifying TV Drama of Our Times?
Is This the Wake-Up Call Parents Have Been Waiting For? ‘Adolescence’ the harrowing, thought provoking drama that will horrify parents. If you have children of a certain age, on the precipice of getting their own phones, this will be particularly hard to watch & maybe your final wake up call to delay giving your child a smartphone, hold off on social media, and insist on staying actively involved in their online world as well as starting those crucial and vitally important conversations early – guiding them every step of the way. Adolescence is a harrowing and essential piece of drama that every parent, teacher, policymaker, and community member should watch. Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham have crafted a story that doesn’t just unfold — it confronts. The dazzling performances draw you in, but it’s the devastating questions the drama raises that stay with you long after the credits have finished. It sheds light on the dark realities of incel culture, misogyny, and the online influences shaping young boys, making it a powerful catalyst for urgent conversations about violence, vulnerability, and the role society plays in guiding its youth. Drama like this opens up much-needed conversations about knife crime, toxic masculinity, and the role the internet plays in shaping young minds. After watching Adolescence, perhaps we all need to take meaningful steps to address these complex issues within our own family. I always feel compelled to be practical so here are some practical actions you can take: 1. Start Open Conversations 2. Educate Yourself and Your Teens 3. Monitor and Guide Online Activity 4. Model Healthy Relationships 5. Encourage Critical Thinking 6. Build Coping Strategies and Resilience 7. Know the Warning Signs 8. Foster a Culture of Compassion Here are some conversation scripts that might help you start those important much needed conversations ‘’What did you think?” Parent: “That was pretty intense. I’m still processing it. What did you think about the story?” Teen: (Responds) Parent: “Yeah, I felt the same. It made me wonder how someone could get pulled into that kind of thinking. Do you think that happens a lot with people your age? 2. “Have you seen this online?” Parent: “The stuff about online groups really got me thinking. Have you ever seen anything like that — people saying extreme things or blaming women for their problems?” Teen: (Responds) Parent: “It’s kind of scary how easy it is to stumble across that. Do you think most people recognise it for what it is, or does it slowly influence them?” 3. “Why do you think that happened?” Parent: “I keep thinking about Jamie and what led him down that path. Do you think things could have turned out differently if someone had reached out sooner?” Teen: (Responds) Parent: “It makes me wonder if some kids feel like they don’t have anyone to talk to when they’re struggling. What do you think schools or families could do differently?” 4. “What would you do?” Parent: “If you ever noticed a friend getting caught up in that kind of stuff — like becoming angry, isolated, or talking about extreme ideas — what do you think you’d do?” Teen: (Responds) Parent: “I know those situations can be tough to handle alone. You know you can always talk to me, right? I’d never judge, just listen.” 5. “How does it feel being a teenager today?” Parent: “Watching that made me realise things might be different for teens now than when I was younger. Do you feel like there’s a lot of pressure to fit in or act a certain way online?” Teen: (Responds) Parent: “I imagine it’s hard to know what’s real when everyone is posting their ‘perfect’ life. How do you handle that pressure?” 6. “Let’s talk about what’s out there.” Parent: “You know, the internet can be amazing, but it also has some dark corners. Do you feel like you can spot when something is trying to manipulate or influence you?” Teen: (Responds) Parent: “It’s not always obvious, is it? If you ever come across anything that feels off — weird messages, extreme ideas, or even people pushing certain beliefs — you can always talk to me about it.” 7. “What do you wish adults understood?” Parent: “One thing that hit me is how much adults don’t always see what’s really going on with teens. If there was one thing you wish adults understood better about being your age, what would it be?” Teen: (Responds) Parent: “That makes sense. I want to understand, so if you ever feel like I’m missing something, just tell me. I’m here to listen.” Adolescence is more than just a drama — it’s a wake-up call. It holds up a mirror to the dark corners of the internet and the quiet struggles young people face, reminding us that these issues aren’t happening in some distant place — they’re unfolding in our homes, schools, and communities. As parents, teachers, and mentors, we have a responsibility to step in, start the difficult conversations, and be the steady presence our teens need. The digital world is vast, and without guidance, it can become a breeding ground for anger, isolation, and dangerous ideologies. But connection is the antidote. When we listen without judgment, model empathy, and create safe spaces for open dialogue, we empower our young people to navigate these challenges with resilience and compassion. No family is immune, and no conversation is too small. The most powerful thing we can do is show up — again and again — ready to listen, to learn, and to walk alongside our children as they grow. Adolescence is set to be a cultural touchpoint for young masculinity for years to come. What an astonishing thing these writers and actors have made. The arrival of this drama is a moment that demands attention. It has the potential to achieve the same cultural impact as Mr Bates vs the Post Office, the ITV drama that brought a national scandal to light and pushed it to
Here are Digital Jungle Scripts for Parents to Start Important Conversations about Polarising Figures like Alex Jones, Andrew Tate, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump
Here are scripts you can use to start important conversations about polarising figures like Alex Jones, Andrew Tate, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump, tailored for children of different ages. These scripts aim to foster critical thinking and protect children from dangerous influences. For Ages 6–9 Key Focus: Introduce the idea of role models and how not everyone in the public eye is a good example. Script:“Have you ever heard of people like Andrew Tate or Elon Musk? Some of them have big ideas or say things that can make others upset. It’s important to think about what people say and whether it helps others or hurts them. Who do you think is a good role model, and why?” Scenario: Child Repeats Something They Heard Online Age Group: 6–9 Script:“I heard you mention something about [influencer]. Where did you hear that? Sometimes people say things to get attention, even if it’s not true or kind. Let’s think together: how does what they said make others feel, and is it something we agree with?” Scenario: Child Expresses Admiration for the Influencer Age Group: 6–9 Script:“It sounds like you think [influencer] is cool. What do you like about them? Sometimes, people who seem interesting may not always make the best choices. What makes a person truly someone we can look up to?” Scenario: Child Feels Peer Pressure to Follow These Influencers Age Group: 6–9 Script:“I noticed you’re talking about [influencer] like your friends are. Did your friends mention them? It’s okay to want to fit in, but we can always think about whether we really agree with someone before we follow what they do or say.” For Ages 10–13 Key Focus: Explore critical thinking and how to evaluate what influencers say. Script:“You might hear people talking about Donald Trump, Alex Jones or Andrew Tate online. They say things that some people agree with and others find harmful. What do you think it means to check if someone’s words are true or helpful? Let’s look up some of their ideas and decide together if they make sense or if they could hurt others.” Age Group: 10–13 Script:“That’s interesting that you heard [influencer] say that. What do you think about it? Did they explain why they think that way? Sometimes people online only tell part of the story. Let’s try finding more about it together and see if we can understand both sides.” Age Group: 10–13 Script:“It’s great that you’re curious about [influencer]. Why do you think they’re so popular? Some people like them for their confidence, but others think they can be harmful. Let’s explore together how their actions match what they say.” Age Group: 10–13 Script:“Are your friends talking about [influencer]? It can feel like we have to follow what others are doing to fit in. But remember, being independent means thinking for yourself. Let’s talk about what you agree with and what you might question about what they’re saying.” For Ages 14–17 Key Focus: Discuss media literacy, influence, and social responsibility. Script:“I saw a clip about Donald Trump or Andrew Tate the other day. They can be really persuasive, but not everything they say is always helpful or true. Have you seen anything about them online? Let’s talk about how people like this influence others and how we can decide what’s worth listening to.” Age Group: 14–17 Script:“You mentioned [influencer] earlier. They’re known for saying things that get people talking, but some of it can be harmful or misleading. Why do you think people like them get so much attention? Do you think their ideas help or hurt society? Let’s dig into that.” Age Group: 14–17 Script:“You admire [influencer], and I get that they have some interesting ideas. But let’s talk about their full story. What do you think about the things they’ve said or done that have caused harm? How can we separate good ideas from harmful ones?” Age Group: 14–17 Script:“It sounds like there’s a lot of talk about [influencer] among your friends. What do you think about what they’re saying? Have you ever felt like you had to agree with someone just because others did? Let’s discuss how to stand firm in your beliefs.” Tips for All Ages
