Labour leader Keir Starmer has thrown his support behind a campaign to screen the Netflix drama Adolescence in schools across the UK. The gripping series, which focuses on a 13-year-old boy arrested for the murder of a young girl, delves into the troubling rise of incel culture and explores the darker corners of teenage life in the digital age.
The show’s arrival has sparked conversations about the influence of violent and sexist content on social media, raising concerns about the narratives young people are exposed to online. Advocates for the campaign believe Adolescence offers a powerful tool to educate students on the consequences of harmful ideologies and the importance of digital literacy.
Starmer’s backing reflects a growing call for schools to play a more active role in addressing these issues, equipping teenagers with the critical thinking skills needed to navigate complex online environments. As debates over tech regulation intensify, the campaign serves as a timely reminder of the responsibility society has to safeguard its youngest members while empowering them to challenge toxic narratives.
The initiative has gained traction among educators and parents alike, who see the drama as a catalyst for honest discussions about peer pressure, radicalization, and mental health. Whether Adolescence becomes a fixture in classrooms remains to be seen, but its impact on the national conversation is already undeniable.