The recent Netflix miniseries, *Adolescence*, is a thriller and crime drama that follows the shocking story of Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of murdering a classmate. The series (which I found quite “intense”) unfolds over four episodes, each told from the perspective of different parties involved in the investigation: the police, the school, the forensic psychologist, and Jamie’s family.

By exploring the devastating impact of crime on the community and the defendant’s family, the series raises troubling questions about the influence of the internet, bullying, and the pressures of toxic masculinity on today’s youth.

The British miniseries has sparked significant debate about crucial issues that permeate the contemporary world of young people, shedding light on real and urgent problems affecting teenagers, the rise of “incel culture,” and complex family dynamics. Given the powerful portrayal of these themes, it isimperative that educational institutions recognize the series’ relevance and pay close attention to the issues depicted therein, taking proactive measures to protect and guide their students.

It’s undoubtedly a visual masterpiece. The sequence shots are a spectacle in and of themselves, showcasing just how meticulous and complex the production was. But, in my opinion, I felt the series lacked boldness and came across as “shallow” in terms of content.

It brings up important—and even “heavy”—topics, using words and phrases that most people aren’t familiar with, but it doesn’t delve into any of them in depth. It leaves the viewer uninformed, without a clear understanding of what happened or what the intention behind it all was. This approach, by failing to provide sufficient information or clear conclusions, struck me as a lack of courage to fully confront the complexity of the proposed themes, leaving the viewer with significant gaps in their understanding.

One of the darker themes explored in *Adolescence* is the world of incels. The term “incel” is derived from “involuntary celibate.” It refers to an online movement—often described as dark—composed primarily of men who desire a romantic or sexual relationship but attribute their inability to achieve one to factors such as women’s selectivity and their alleged “self-serving behavior.”

This frustration can lead to feelings of anger, misogyny, and, in extreme cases, violence. The series illustrates how this ideology can find fertile ground among young people who feel isolated and marginalized.

You and I, as educators, need to address the issues portrayed in *Adolescence* in a meaningful way. Here is my perspective on how we, as a school, should respond:

• Promote media literacy and critical thinking

In a digital world saturated with information, it is crucial for students to develop the ability to critically analyze the content they consume online. This includes identifying hate speech, misinformation, and dangerous ideologies, such as those propagated in the “macho sphere” and incel circles.

Schools can incorporate activities that encourage reflection on the influence of digital influencers and the mechanisms of online radicalization. It is essential that young people understand that not everything they find on the internet reflects reality or promotes respect and equality. I highly recommend all of Educamídia’s materials, as well as its in-person and online sessions.

• Strengthen communication channels and social-emotional support:

The series also does not make it clear, but it hints at parental and school neglect in the face of the protagonist’s signs of distress. Schools should establish and maintain open channels of communication between students, teachers, parents, and school staff, encouraging students to express their anxieties, fears, and experiences with bullying or cyberbullying.

In addition, it is essential to invest in social-emotional support services, such as psychologists and school counselors, who can identify at-risk youth early on and provide the necessary support to help them cope with issues such as loneliness, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

It is also crucial to be on the lookout for changes in students’ behavior, such as isolation, aggression, or changes in academic performance. Create safe and monitored virtual environments. Tools like Google Workspace for Education and Microsoft 365 can serve as a starting point for creating a safe and monitored communication channel and learning environment.

• Addressing issues of gender and masculinity in a constructive way:

The series addresses the issue of toxic masculinity and how young people may feel pressure to conform to a stereotypical image of a “masculine man,” with no room to express vulnerability. Schools play a key role in promoting open and inclusive discussions about gender, breaking down stereotypes, and encouraging healthy and respectful forms of masculinity.

It’s important to create an environment where boys feel safe to talk about their emotions, frustrations, and insecurities without fear of being judged or ridiculed. How about highlighting the many different ways of being a man and a woman? How about incorporating diversity in authors, lectures, and assignments? How about showcasing diverse families and diverse homes, and embracing diversity as a strength? And remember to teach the power of “Yes” and “No.” 

Given the complexity of the topics covered in *Adolescence*,I recommend that educators, parents, and other members of the school community watch the series. The series offers a powerful overview of the challenges young people face in the digital age and the urgent need for expert guidance.

However, rather thansimply standingby, it is crucialto investigate the reality of the minors around us. Be alert to the signs, encourage dialogue, and seek to understand the complex dynamics that shape the lives of adolescents, thereby contributing to a safer, more welcoming school environment that is better equipped to address the issues of our time.

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