Education
Should Schools Show Adolescence to Children? Pros & Cons
May 23, 2025
Should 'Adolescence' Be Shown in Schools? A Clear Look at the Drama Sparking National Debate
By Adam Bolas, CEO of Tell Sid
A 13-year-old boy is accused of murdering his classmate. His story unfolds through the lens of violence, loneliness, and the influence of online worlds that too many adults struggle to understand.
That’s the premise of Adolescence, Netflix’s gripping new UK drama.
But it’s no longer just a TV show, it’s now being shown in secondary schools across the country.
Backed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and supported through Into Film+, the series is accompanied by educational guides to help teachers and carers explore the tough themes it presents.
Many are praising this move as bold and necessary. Others say it’s deeply problematic.
So… should Adolescence be shown in schools?
Here’s what I see — from both sides.
Why Watching Adolescence Could Help Children
The show confronts the darkest corners of teen life: online grooming, misogyny, violent influencers, toxic behaviours, incel subcultures, and social media’s effect on mental health.
It’s not always easy to talk about these things at school or at home.
That’s why some educators and parents welcome the show, because it offers a starting point.
PM Starmer watched Adolescence with his teenage children and called it a powerful way to start difficult but important conversations.
The series doesn’t offer easy answers, but it might help young people:
Understand how online spaces influence their identity
Recognise harmful ideologies and why they appeal to some
Talk openly about emotions, trust, and belonging
Think more critically about what they see and share online
Why Some Experts Say Adolescence Might Do More Harm Than Good to Kids
While powerful, Adolescence is still a drama. And dramas aren’t always the best teachers.
Dr. Sophie King-Hill, an expert in youth, gender and education at the University of Birmingham, cautions that Adolescence could reinforce harmful stereotypes, especially about boys.
For many young men, the message may feel like: You’re part of the problem.
And when boys feel blamed, they’re less likely to open up and more likely to retreat into the very dark spaces the show warns against.
Other concerns include:
The show may oversimplify complex issues
It could be emotionally overwhelming for some teens
It wasn’t designed as a learning tool or backed by teaching research
It doesn’t reflect the diverse realities of all boys, particularly those from minority or LGBTQ+ communities
If You Choose to Watch It — Do It Right
Adolescence is a hard watch for a reason. And if you watch it, it should be all about reflection.
Here’s how to approach conversations, whether you’re a parent or a teacher:
#1 Don’t Just Show It
Whether you're a teacher showing the series in class or a parent watching at home, Adolescence is not something to simply assign or turn on. It's emotionally intense and layered, and young people may process it in unexpected ways.
Use it as a conversation starter, not a lesson plan.
Ask open questions like:
“What stood out to you?”, “How do you think that character felt in that moment?”, “Have you ever come across something similar online?”
Don’t worry if they don’t have polished answers. Let them think aloud, be quiet, or revisit the conversation later.
#2 Remind Them It’s Fiction
Young people must understand that Adolescence is a scripted drama.
Jamie, the main character, is not “every boy.” His actions are extreme, and many young people won’t identify with his choices.
But that doesn’t mean the pressures he faces aren’t real.
Discuss the difference between fiction and reality, and help teens reflect on what’s relatable and what feels exaggerated.
This helps kids build their moral compass while staying grounded in reality.
#3 Maintain a Safe Space
The goal here isn’t to “check what they learned.” It’s to build trust. Too often, teens feel like adults only want to catch them out. Let this be a moment where they feel heard, not judged.
Avoid phrases like: “See why you shouldn’t trust social media?”, “That’s why I don’t want you on TikTok.”
Instead, try: “How do you decide who to trust online?”, “What would you do in that situation?”
If they don’t want to answer right away, that’s fine. Just being open and curious makes all the difference.
#4 Mind Age Appropriateness
Adolescence is heavy. It includes references to violence, grooming, and emotional breakdowns. For that reason, we only recommend it for Year 10 students (14+) and older.
If your child is younger, consider previewing it yourself first. Or start smaller with a discussion about YouTube influencers, group chats, or what they’re seeing in their online world.
We don’t have to start with the darkest topics. Building trust now creates space for deeper conversations later.
My Take
Adolescene is fiction. I spend a lot of time scrolling and seeing arguments that can be justified in all of the noise in comments and posts across LinkedIn, X, and mainstream media - from different perspectives.
But it is a complex issue, and as I was a little lad once, it’s not so simple to communicate something you’ve gathered context and formed an opinion on and imprint your ‘solution’ down to a little individual mind.
It should be more comprehensive, studied out and without ideology - that’s noise, not data.
Learn With Us
We are discussing child safety online, digital impact and adults' presence in the child's life with experts every day on our social media.
Follow us for trusted insights, real advice, and tools made for the digital world your students and children are growing up in.
Follow Tell Sid on Instagram | LinkedIn | X (Twitter) | Facebook
