London [UK]: UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has praised the Netflix drama Adolescence for shedding light on the dangers of online misogyny and youth violence.
Starmer revealed that he and his family have been watching the series, calling it a “powerful and necessary conversation starter” on the rising influence of harmful online content on young people.
The drama, starring Stephen Graham and co-written by Jack Thorne, tells the story of a 13-year-old boy arrested for the murder of a teenage girl at his school. The series explores how internet subcultures, particularly incel culture, can influence impressionable adolescents.
The series has gained critical acclaim, becoming a global hit and topping Netflix’s charts.
Calls for the Show to be Screened in Schools
During Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), Labour MP Anneliese Midgley asked Starmer if he supported calls for Adolescence to be screened in schools and Parliament.
In response, Starmer said:
“At home we are watching Adolescence. I’ve got a 16-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl, and it’s a very good drama to watch. This violence carried out by young men, influenced by what they see online, is a real problem. It’s abhorrent, and we have to tackle it.”
Online Safety Measures Underway
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized that while the government has no plans to ban smartphones for those under 16, they are advancing the Online Harms Act, which will regulate tech companies to ensure they better protect young users.
Meanwhile, around 25 Labour MPs have formed an informal group pushing for stricter online safety measures. This group will meet next week to discuss stronger protections against harmful social media content.
Labour MP Johnathan Brash strongly supported the campaign for Adolescence to be shown in schools and Parliament. He described the show as “powerful and distressing” and shared how it impacted him personally:
“After watching the series, I immediately hugged my son.”
Brash suggested that some parts of the show could be adapted for primary schools, with care, to educate younger children about social media dangers before they start using it.
Debate Over Smartphone Ban
While the government remains hesitant about a blanket smartphone ban, Conservative MPs such as shadow education secretary Laura Trott are advocating for stricter phone regulations in schools.
Trott emphasized her concerns, stating she would not allow her own children to have smartphones until they are 16.
The government maintains that teachers already have the authority to manage phone use in classrooms. However, the debate continues amid growing concerns about children’s safety in the digital space.