Thu Apr 03 19:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Family Discusses Netflix Series “Adolescence” and the Impact of Social Media on Teen Boys
**London, UK** – A family’s viewing of the Netflix drama “Adolescence” sparked a revealing conversation about the challenges of raising teenage boys in the digital age. The discussion, observed by BBC News, involved 15-year-old Ben, his parents Sophie and Martin, and centered on the show’s portrayal of misogyny, online bullying, and the influence of figures like Andrew Tate.
“Adolescence,” which depicts a teenager accused of murder after exposure to misogynistic online content, resonated with the family’s concerns about Ben’s own social media usage. While Ben acknowledges the show’s depiction of school fights and cyberbullying, he feels it oversimplifies the teenage experience and caters to adult anxieties rather than presenting a realistic portrayal of online life. He points out the show’s omission of social media’s positive aspects and inaccuracies like the use of secret emoji codes. His father, Martin, agrees, suggesting the show plays on parental fears.
The conversation touched upon the now-less-relevant influence of Andrew Tate at Ben’s school, with Ben noting Tate’s blending of fitness advice with problematic far-right views. More concerning for Sophie was the show’s depiction of strained male-female friendships and the lack of positive interaction between boys and girls in Ben’s peer group. She worries Ben relies too heavily on social media, including ChatGPT and TikTok, for guidance on interacting with girls, leading to distorted perceptions of relationships. A visit to a cousin who attends a mixed school proved more impactful in teaching Ben about healthy male-female friendships.
The family also discussed the prevalence of pornography among Ben’s peers, with Ben admitting that some boys are addicted. He also noted the alarming frequency of distressing content, including extreme violence, in online videos. The sharing of intimate images without consent, as depicted in the show, is something Ben has witnessed firsthand among his friends.
While acknowledging the challenges, Sophie and Martin emphasized the importance of providing boys with diverse role models and opportunities outside of screens to build self-esteem. They cite Ben’s positive experiences with sports coaches as a positive influence. However, they also highlight the financial barriers to extracurricular activities, creating an inequality that leaves some children more vulnerable to online extremism. The family concluded that addressing the issue requires a collaborative effort from tech companies, government, schools, and families themselves.
First Piper 