If you haven’t watched Adolescence on Netflix yet, I highly recommend it.
It’s more than a gripping drama — it’s a stark, emotional, and necessary wake-up call for every adult who cares about children.
As a digital parenting expert and author of Keeping Families Safe on Social Media, I couldn’t look away from what this series was showing us — because I see it every day in real life.
What Is Adolescence About?
The show opens with a 13-year-old boy being arrested for the murder of a schoolmate. There’s no mystery — we know who did it. The question isn’t who, it’s why.
And that’s where the series becomes something bigger than entertainment.
It asks us to stop assuming this is just about “other people’s children” or “troubled teens.”
It’s about all of our children — even the ones who seem okay.
It’s Not Just 13-Year-Old Boys
One of the most dangerous myths I hear is:
"My child is too young for that."
"My daughter would never look at that."
"He’s only in Year 3."
But here’s the truth:
In the past few weeks, I’ve spoken to parents of 8-year-olds who discovered porn sites, disturbing YouTube videos, and inappropriate chat content on their devices — often because the child was given a phone or tablet “just for a little while.”
It’s not getting better. It’s getting earlier.
This Content Isn’t Hidden in Dark Corners — It’s Mainstream
The online world is not some shadowy place.
It’s right there — on YouTube. TikTok. Instagram. Snapchat. Gaming platforms. Even search suggestions.
Children are absorbing:
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Pressure to conform to toxic ideas of masculinity and femininity
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Sexualised and violent content
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Peer rejection and cyberbullying
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Misinformation and extremist thinking
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Shame, confusion, and emotional isolation
And most of it is happening under our noses, while we’re busy and trusting they’re “just watching videos.”
The Ending of Adolescence Doesn’t Offer Comfort — And That’s the Point
The show ends the way many real stories do: without resolution.
It doesn’t offer a tidy moral.
It leaves us in the discomfort — because that’s where change begins.
We don’t need to wait for another tragedy to act.
We’ve already had enough.
What Can You Do Right Now?
You don’t have to be tech-savvy.
But you do have to be present.
Whether you're a parent, sibling, grandparent, or mentor — your voice matters.
Here’s where to start:
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Talk about what they see online — not just once, but often
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Set boundaries on screen time and content
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Check browsing history and app usage regularly
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Teach emotional literacy — kids need help naming and processing their feelings
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Educate yourself on the platforms they use daily
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Don’t wait until something happens — prevention is everything
My Book: A Guide for Families in the Digital Age
If you feel unsure about where to start, my book Keeping Families Safe on Social Media offers step-by-step guidance, tools, and real-life examples to help you navigate online safety with confidence.
Click here to learn more about the book.
You can also download free checklists and resources to get started today.
Final Thoughts
Adolescence is more than a show — it’s a wake-up call.
But here’s the thing: we might not get another one.
Let’s use this moment to do better, ask better questions, and guide our children with the awareness they deserve.
Don’t wait.
Be informed.
Be present.
Start now.
About the Author
Lydia Agbobidi is a Meta Certified Community Manager and author of Keeping Families Safe on Social Media. She supports families, schools, and communities in navigating the digital world with confidence, compassion, and clarity.
