Netflix’s Adolescence: Let’s Protect Our Adolescents

Author(s): Dr Rakesh Rampal

The Netflix mini-series Adolescence explores challenges faced by teenagers, focusing on 13-year-old Jamie Miller’s experience following a classmate's murder. The show through Jamie's story highlights critical psychological themes such as low self-esteem, cyberbullying, social exclusion, and the lure of harmful online communities, notably incel groups. Applying Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, it illustrates how adolescent attitudes are shaped by environmental observation, peer interactions, and toxic digital influences. The series also explores how gender-based violence and toxic masculinity together with the growing lack of parental understanding impact teenagers who use digital platforms. In Adolescence, family relationships are shown as a source of love and support, but also as places where signs of a teen’s struggles can be overlooked. The show stresses the importance of better parenting skills and understanding of mental health. It encourages spotting problems early and talking openly about them, with families, teachers, and professionals working together to help young people grow stronger, feel cared for, and stay safe.