The lessons to be learned from new hit series ‘Adolescence’

Note: While there are no real spoilers in this article, you might want to bookmark it to read after viewing the series, so that the show's impact is fresh.

You might have seen there's been some hype for the new British series Adolescence that debuted on Netflix recently. The four-part series talks of the murder of a 13-year-old schoolgirl and the young teen Jamie Miller -- played by the incredibly talented Owen Cooper -- who is accused of stabbing her to death.

The series was created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, who also gives an outstanding performance as Miller's father. And in fact as Graham, a father-of-two, explained in an ITV interview that you can see below, he was compelled to create the series having seen the news coverage of two adolescents stabbed to death in his native England. As he explains in the interview, "It really hurt my heart."

The series is definitely not a whodunnit, but more of a "whydunnit," offering a stark — and ultimately instructive — portrait of modern youth. The principal themes of the series lead the viewer to questioning the role of the male in today's society, online bullying, parental modeling, education, knife-crime, social isolation, and even understanding the seemingly harmless emoji language of teens today.

And although the show’s narrative is as harrowing as it is uncompromising, it compels us to reflect on our roles as parents in safeguarding our children’s growth and integrity, even as they navigate digital influences that seem at odds with the timeless values many people hold dear.

Adolescence tells the story of two young lives destroyed by toxic online influences and unchecked adolescent anger. While the series is unsettling in its depiction of how quickly innocence can give way to violence, it also lays bare the pervasive impact of social media and the so-called "manosphere" on young minds.

Catholic parents are no strangers to the call for protecting the dignity of every human person. Yet today, the digital realm presents new challenges: from explicit content to harmful ideologies that can erode the very virtues we strive to instill.

One of the most resonant lessons from Adolescence is the need for active, vigilant parenting. The show reminds us that our children’s digital lives — often hidden behind the closed doors of their bedrooms — can shape their understanding of relationships, self-worth, and even what it means to be a man.

While we may trust that our children will learn right from wrong, the reality depicted on screen urges us to engage more deeply. By staying informed about the platforms they use and the content they consume, we can offer guidance and model the behaviors that reflect a true understanding of respect, compassion, and accountability.

A recurring theme in the series is the destructive power of a toxic concept of masculinity. Jamie’s struggle is not solely about the violence he commits; it is also about the internal conflict wrought by a culture that equates strength with aggression and emotional suppression.

In our Christian tradition, true masculinity is reflected not in violence or domination over others but in self-control, responsibility, gentleness in strength, and a willingness to be vulnerable. It is essential, therefore, for parents — especially fathers — to exemplify a healthy model of manhood: one that embraces empathy and recognizes the importance of emotional literacy. This is a challenge that calls for a reexamination of the messages our sons receive both online and in society.

Perhaps the most vital takeaway from Adolescence is the need for honest, open communication within the family. The series lays bare the consequences of silence and misunderstanding, showing that when children feel isolated or misunderstood, they are more likely to fall prey to harmful influences.

We are called, then, to create a safe space for conversation — a home where questions are met with patience rather than judgment, where the complexities of modern life are discussed alongside timeless values. By talking openly about the challenges of digital culture, relationships, and personal responsibility, we reinforce the idea that every person has inherent worth and deserves respect.

While Adolescence is undeniably a dark exploration of a young life gone astray, it is also a call to action for us as parents. Its unflinching portrayal of modern challenges serves as a reminder that our influence is both needed and powerful. We may not be able to control every digital encounter, but we can shape our children’s responses to them.

By blending the compassion and wisdom of our faith with a practical understanding of today’s world, we can nurture a generation that is both grounded in enduring values and capable of thriving amidst contemporary challenges.

If you'd like to see the interview with director Phillip Barantini and Stephen Graham, click on the video below. As you'll see, they implore parents to "talk to their kids."

All episodes of Adolescence are currently available on Netflix.