Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’: Why Every Parent Needs to Watch This Powerful Series

Between school pressure, screen addiction, shifting friendships, and mental health struggles, it’s a minefield—and most of us are navigating it without a map. Enter Adolescence, Netflix’s impactful series that holds up a mirror to what young people are really facing. Centred on a tragic event involving a teenage boy, this four-part drama is emotional, uncomfortable—and absolutely essential viewing for parents.

What Is ‘Adolescence’ About?

Set in a UK suburb, the story follows the Miller family as their 13-year-old son, Jamie, is arrested after a classmate is stabbed. Told in four real-time episodes shot in a single take, it pulls no punches. We watch the slow unravelling of a family, exposing not just personal grief but the bigger issues hiding behind teenage silence.

Why It’s a Must-Watch for Parents

1. It Lifts the Lid on Today’s Teen World

From toxic masculinity to online radicalisation, Adolescence doesn’t flinch. It shows how modern teens—especially boys—are often pulled into dangerous corners of the internet that encourage harmful views and behaviours.

2. It Highlights Mental Health Red Flags

Jamie’s quiet distress is all too familiar for many parents. You see the subtle signs: withdrawal, online secrecy, emotional shutdown. The show challenges parents to ask, Would I have noticed?

3. It Challenges Us to Reflect

It’s not just about what our teens are doing—it’s about what we’re not doing. The show doesn’t blame, but it does ask tough questions. Are we really listening? Are we keeping up with their world?

Real Issues Addressed in the Show

• Toxic Masculinity: The pressure on boys to be “strong” and emotionless, leading to anger, violence, or shutdown.
• Online Influence: Exposure to misogyny, violence, and echo chambers that reinforce unhealthy beliefs.
• Knife Crime: Inspired by real-life events in the UK, it explores the real consequences of youth violence.
• Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, and isolation are shown with heartbreaking realism.
• Parent-Teen Disconnect: Even loving parents can miss what’s going on right under their roof.

What Experts Are Saying

“It’s more than TV—it’s a wake-up call.”
– Mark Travers, Psychologist (Forbes)

“A deeply powerful exploration of where we’re failing boys.”
– The Guardian (source)

“This should be shown in every school.”
– Viewer comment via Young Minds blog (Young Minds)

Parenting Takeaways from the Series

1. Don’t Wait for a Crisis to Start Talking

Open the door to difficult conversations now. Ask how school is really going. Ask about their friendships. Ask about the online content they’re watching. “Make digital free dinners part of your daily family routine to connect and check in with your children,” says Digital Parenting and Online Safety expert, Rianette Leibowitz. 

2. Monitor, Don’t Spy

Teens need space, but they also need guidance. Know which apps they use. Be involved, not invasive. Use tech tools if needed, but always pair with trust-building. “Be part of your child’s digital life from the first day they start using technology and help them to understand that their online protection, is part of your responsibility to keep them safe – both on and offline – by using the parental controls and apps,” advises Leibowitz. 

3. Teach Critical Thinking Early

Encourage them to question what they see online. Just because a video has a million views doesn’t make it true—or healthy. “Children should feel encouraged to speak to their parents about the content they see online and the people they meet. This can only happen if there is a supportive level of trust and interest in your child’s digital habits and behaviour, and them knowing that their parents won’t freak out, but instead help them through the situation,” adds Leibowitz. 

4. Prioritise Mental Health

Check in on their feelings just like you would their schoolwork. Normalise therapy, journaling, or even just venting.

5. Lead With Curiosity, Not Fear

Instead of reacting with panic or judgement, get curious. Why are they drawn to certain content? What emotions are behind their choices? “Teenagers don’t necessarily want to discuss everything with their parents, but when they do reach out, it offers a valuable opportunity to ask questions and be genuinely interested to show support and guide them. We might not have all the answers, but it gives you the chance to search for the answer together – ensuring you use trusted sources,” says Leibowitz. 

Decode Your Teen’s World: Words and Emojis Parents Should Know

To keep up with the fast-moving world of teen communication, here’s a helpful cheat sheet of common slang and emojis often used on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Discord:

Teen Slang

ALSO CHECK OUT: Slay the slang – a parent’s guide to teen talk

Popular Emojis and Their Hidden Meanings

Sexual References

Drug and Alcohol References

Pro Tip: Always consider context. Emojis and slang shift meaning across platforms and groups. When in doubt—ask!

YOU MUST READ: A Parent’s Guide to Inappropriate Emojis

After Watching ‘Adolescence’: Questions to Ask Your Teen

• What did you think about Jamie?
• Have you ever felt pressure like that from friends or online?
• Do you feel like you can talk to me if something’s bothering you?
• Have you ever seen content online that made you uncomfortable?
• What do you think makes a boy feel like he has to hide his feelings?
• Let’s talk about how we will handle similar situations to ensure your safety and well-being. 
• How will you support a classmate who might be experiencing this?

Conclusion

Netflix’s Adolescence is not entertainment—it’s education for the modern parent. It reminds us that behind every moody silence or screen-lit bedroom door, there might be a world we don’t fully understand.

But we can.
By watching.
By asking.
By showing up.

Even when they push us away, our kids still need us to be curious, caring, and committed.

FAQs

Is Adolescence suitable for teens to watch?

Yes, for older teens (15+). It’s emotionally intense but can be a great tool for discussion—if watched with a parent or trusted adult. Parents could watch it first and be more prepared when watching with your child. 

Is the show based on a true story?

No, but it was inspired by real-life cases involving knife crime and youth mental health in the UK.

What conversations should I have after watching?

Talk about emotional pressure, online behaviour, bullying, relationships, and what makes a “safe adult” to talk to.

What should I do if my teen seems withdrawn or angry like Jamie?

Don’t ignore the signs. Open the door to conversation. Gently ask how they’re feeling and consider involving a therapist or school counsellor.

Are there real tools to help with online safety?

Yes. Tools like Bark, Qustodio, and The White Hatter’s digital literacy guides help monitor and guide online activity safely.

Leibowitz recommends: “South Africa offers many fantastic speakers in the field of online safety and platforms share educational content as part of their community rules.  Also look at Google’s Family Link, Kaspersky’s Safe Kids and FYI Play It Safe for parental control apps to be your eyes-and-ears in cyber space. But most of all, let your child feel loved, accepted, supported and safe. I have seen first hand how the cyber crime victims we have supported through SaveTNet Cyber Safety react more positively if they feel their parents are on their side. When schools and communities collaborate with us as cyber wellness experts and organisations such as Klikd (and many others) we all work to more cyber savvy families and our children’s online safety.”

References

• Forbes – Why Every Parent Needs to Watch ‘Adolescence’
• The Guardian – Netflix’s Powerful Series Could Save Lives
• Young Minds – A Parent’s Review
• The White Hatter – Netflix Review for Families
• Mental Health Foundation – Advice for Parents