Netflix’s show Adolescence opens with every parent’s worst nightmare: 13-year-old Jamie Miller is arrested for the murder of his classmate, Katie Leonard. As the story unfolds, what seems unthinkable becomes heartbreakingly real—revealing the quiet pressures teens face and the moments parents often miss.
Jamie seems like your typical teen—quiet, a bit awkward, always online. But beneath the surface, the influence of toxic online spaces and social media is shaping how he sees himself. The comments, the labels, the constant comparison—it all adds up. And like many teens, he doesn’t talk about it…until it’s almost too late.
The truth is: many teens are struggling silently—and Adolescence shows just how easily parents can miss the signs.
How Adolescence Reveals the Hidden Impact of Online Influence
Adolescence, created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, uses a continuous one-shot filming technique to capture the raw, unfiltered emotions of the characters, drawing viewers deeply into the unfolding tragedy.
Critics have praised Adolescence, calling it a technical masterpiece, for its ability to highlight the complex effects of social media, the radicalization of young boys online, and the devastating impact of toxic masculinity and male rage. It explores the societal consequences of incel culture, a troubling online subculture that fosters resentment and hostility towards women.
Through Jamie’s story, you’ll see how vulnerable young boys can become easy targets for harmful ideologies without proper guidance and intervention. It’s a call to action for parents to understand the digital spaces their teens inhabit.
Spot the Warning Signs in Your Teen
You think it’s just mood swings. They think you don’t understand. You’re trying to protect them. They think you’re not listening. You ask questions. They give one-word answers.
When teens shut down and parents miss the signs, the cost isn’t just disconnection—it’s heartbreak.
Teens may not always verbalize their struggles, but their behaviour and actions often speak volumes. Recognize these signs and always respond with empathy.
Closing the Gap: How Parents Can Connect with Their Teens Online
Parents teach children how to cross the road safely, but navigating the digital world is often left unaddressed. Many parents assume their children are harmlessly playing Roblox or chatting with friends, when in reality they might be exposed to extremist views, cyberbullying, or harmful content.
Here’s how to stay connected with your kids:
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Start with curiosity, not criticism
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Keep it safe to open up—don’t overreact
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Ask what their emojis, memes, and influencers really mean
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Teach them to question, not just follow
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Make screen talk a regular part of parenting
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Talk about how online groups can manipulate
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Build their confidence offline—it makes them safer online.
You don’t need to control the conversation—just keep it going.
Support Resources for Parents Navigating the Digital World
You’re not alone in raising digital-savvy kids. These resources can help:
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Media Literacy Council – Online safety and digital wellness tips (betterinternet.sg)
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Parenting with MOE – Guides on device use and digital responsibility (go.gov.sg/parentingwithmoe)
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Cyber Wellness@School – Ask your child’s school how they’re covering digital habits
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TOUCH Cyber Wellness (Non-profit) – Counselling and workshops on screen overuse, gaming, and cyberbullying (touch.org.sg)
Start the Conversation Before It’s Too Late
Netflix’s Adolescence is a powerful reminder that the most significant conversations with our teens often remain unspoken. It encourages parents to pause, reflect, and truly listen to their children’s experiences. The series opens a window into the digital world teens navigate daily and offers parents the opportunity to bridge the gap of understanding.
So, consider watching Adolescence with your teen. It could be the conversation starter you’ve both been waiting for — a chance to connect and break the silence.
