From Police to Prime Minister: How "Adolescence" is Making Britain Confront Toxic Masculinity

Netflix's new drama, "Adolescence," is not just a critical hit, but also a catalyst for a national debate about the impact of toxic masculinity and the role of social media in shaping young men.

The series has shocked public opinion and forced the British government to reflect on this disturbing phenomenon.

A story that reflects the dark reality
“Adolescence” follows the story of Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old from Yorkshire, who is arrested after the murder of his classmate. The series unflinchingly depicts his path to radicalization, highlighting the role of online platforms and misogynistic influencers in manipulating the minds of young boys. In the series, Jamie falls prey to the propaganda of the “manosphere,” a digital space where women are seen as the enemy and masculinity is associated with violence and dominance.

The broad social and political reaction
Within days of its release, “Adolescence” became a global phenomenon, ranking as the most-watched series on Netflix in 71 countries. Its impact has transcended television and entered the British political debate. Labour MP Anneliese Midgley has proposed that the series be shown in parliament and schools, arguing that it could help combat misogyny and violence against women.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who watched the series with his children, described it as “a wake-up call to society from this alarming reality.” He acknowledged that violence against women is on the rise and promised the government would act, writes The Guardian.

Call for legal changes and protective measures
One of the ideas that has emerged from the debate sparked by “Adolescence” is the establishment of a “digital age of consent,” where smartphones would be banned for children under 16. The series’s writer, Jack Thorne, has stressed that children are being secretly radicalized online and that social platforms should take action to ban toxic content.
Experts are also calling for tech giants to regulate algorithms that promote extremist content and for the government to establish stricter policies to protect children online.

A key moment for the future of education and social policies
Beyond its impact as a series, “Adolescence” has created a critical moment that could bring about tangible change. Discussions in the media and government show that British society is ready to confront the dark reality of online radicalization and violence against women.
With unanimous praise from critics and audiences, the series has already qualified as one of the most important television productions of the decade. But its greatest success will be if it manages to change the approach to the education of young men and the regulation of social media, for a safer and fairer society for all. /Telegraph/