The Netflix Series ‘Adolescence’: A Psychologist’s Perspective on Modern Teenage Turmoil
Netflix’s latest series Adolescence has ignited critical conversations surrounding the multifaceted challenges faced by today’s youth. The show delves into pressing issues such as toxic masculinity, the pervasive influence of unregulated social media, exposure to pornography, incel ideology, and the insidious nature of bullying. This analysis aims to dissect the series’ portrayal of these themes and offer recommendations for parents and guardians navigating these complex topics with their teenagers.
Unveiling Adolescence: A Mirror to Modern Teenage Turmoil
Adolescence centers on the Miller family, whose 13-year-old son, Jamie, is arrested for the murder of his classmate, Katie Leonard. The series meticulously unpacks the events leading up to this tragedy, shedding light on the subtle yet profound influences that can radicalize vulnerable youth. By focusing on Jamie’s interactions within his family, school, and online communities, the show provides a comprehensive examination of the factors contributing to his actions.
The series has sparked a national conversation in Australia, prompting discussions at various societal levels. Its unflinching portrayal of adolescent struggles has resonated with many, leading to calls for educational reforms and increased awareness of the digital landscapes that shape young minds.
Adolescence employs a distinctive narrative technique by filming each of its four episodes in a single continuous take. This approach immerses viewers in the unfolding drama, creating an unbroken, intimate perspective that mirrors the relentless and often overwhelming experiences of its characters. The absence of cuts amplifies the tension and immediacy, compelling the audience to confront the raw and unfiltered realities faced by the characters. It also positions the viewer within intimate closeness of the characters, giving the illusion of being in their shoes and sharing their perspectives. The series’ cinematography and pacing are meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of proximity and urgency. By eliminating traditional editing techniques, the show fosters a voyeuristic experience, allowing viewers to witness the characters’ vulnerabilities and internal conflicts in real time. This stylistic choice not only enhances engagement but also serves as a powerful tool to underscore the themes of entrapment and inevitability that permeate the narrative.
Is Adolescence based on a true story?
While the story of Jamie and Katie is fictional- it appears writers have drawn from real and current world events. In Adolescence, Detective Investigator Bascombe struggles to comprehend the basis for the security footage he has witnessed. In seeking an explanation and motive, he interviews Jamie and Katies classmates- till his son exasperatingly explains the concept of the ‘Incel Movement’. Although DI Bascombe, like many of us, is vaguely aware of the term, he struggles to see its application in this context. Incel is shorthand for ‘Involuntary celibate’-a community comprised of individuals, primarily men, who express frustration over their perceived inability to establish romantic or sexual relationships. Some segments of this online subculture have been linked to misogynistic rhetoric and, in extreme cases, acts of violence. Notable incidents include the 2014 Isla Vista killings by Elliot Rodger and the 2018 Toronto van attack by Alek Minassian, both of whom were associated with incel ideologies. Sites such as Reddit and Discord have been home to these communities where extremist views are freely shared.
DI Bascombe realises Katie has initiated a cyberbullying campaign against Jamie by posting a comment on Instagram that includes a dynamite emoji. This symbol is interpreted as an "exploding red pill," a derogatory insinuation that Jamie is an incel.
Could this happen here?
Adolescence has resonated with Australian audiences, prompting discussions among parents, educators, and policymakers about the challenges depicted in the series. Experts have emphasized the importance of engaging with teenagers on topics such as masculinity, social media influence, and online safety.
Legally, Australia has implemented measures to combat online harassment and the spread of extremist content. The Online Safety Act, enforced by the eSafety Commissioner, addresses various forms of digital abuse, including cyberbullying and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. The act empowers authorities to seek the removal of harmful content and imposes penalties on perpetrators. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 introduces a mandatory minimum age of 16 for accounts on certain social media platforms. In 2023 the NSW government banned use of mobile phones in schools, including during recess and lunch.
Does this mean cyberbullying has stopped? In my experience- not at all. We see dozens of teenagers each week whose primary concerns result from negative and damaging online interactions. These children are largely more tech-literate than their parents, and many parents feel the 'ship has sailed’ in monitoring their social media use. We see issues ranging from ruptured friendships due to withholding 'likes', to purposeful proliferation of explicit images of friends with others. The personal cost to individuals’ emotional well-being and social relationships ranges from 'fluctuatingly frustrating', to triggering episodes of self-harm and suicide.
Linking toxic masculinity, cyber bullying and the incel subculture
A particularly revealing aspect of the show is how Jamie perceives Katie’s social standing when her topless photos are shared without her consent. Jamie expresses views that he does not excell at sport (and senses he is a disappointment to his hypermasculine father), is ugly (unable to get girls’ attention in a positive way), and that he and two friends are outcasts who are often mocked by peers. Jamie believes he has low social power. He demonstrates a lack of positive identification with a talent, interest or identity. He expresses a belief that Katie’s embarrassment and social downfall would make her vulnerable enough to accept him as a potential boyfriend. This reveals a deeply troubling perception of power and dominance. He believes that by being humiliated and knocked down from her social pedestal, Katie would be brought low enough to consider him a viable romantic option. This mentality not only reflects an insidious sense of entitlement but also speaks to how distorted perceptions of power and control can shape the way young men view relationships.
This portrayal highlights a key issue within the incel ideology, where a sense of resentment towards women who they perceive as unattainable or ‘too good’ leads to a desire to see them ‘taken down a peg.’ Jamie’s misguided logic is rooted in his belief that once Katie is socially degraded, she will be within his reach—a perception tragically common in certain online communities. The show’s treatment of this dynamic challenges viewers to reflect on how unchecked misogyny and entitlement can culminate in violent and destructive outcomes.
Jamie expresses and displays some vulnerability in approaching Katie. When he is rejected, this vulnerability serves to amplify his rage. Although not explicitly seen in the show- it is common for young people to seek social media content that helps them to understand and contextualise their feelings. The risk however, is that algorithms will generate content that allow young people to exist in an echo chamber. The insinuation is that Jamie is exposed to extremist views online about entitlement and revenge that he uses to rationalise his premeditated decision to take Katie’s life. Eddie himself recalls that he was unwittingly exposed to misogynistic extremism while he was looking for exercise content online.
This extremism is juxtaposed with a 13-year-old Jamie in a clearly childish bedroom with a space themed duvet and his art hanging on the wall, wetting himself when police enter. This juxtaposition serves to bring attention to the impressionability of young minds at key developmental stages. As children develop, their brains are growing right along with them- in particular, the very front of the brain, called the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is not fully developed until the mid-20s, which is why adolescents and young adults may struggle with impulse control, risk assessment, and long-term planning. This underdevelopment also contributes to heightened emotional reactivity and susceptibility to influence during teenage years. When children are exposed to concepts or content prior to adequate prefrontal cortex development, they lack the scaffolding of associated concepts to contextualise things like right and wrong, morality, fairness and equity, or use empathy as a guiding principle. Think pornography exposure as a prime example. Children exposed to sexually explicit and non-normative content too young may lack basic understanding of anatomy development, sexual function and dysfunction, boundaries and respect. This exposure, as it is the first frame in the scaffold, becomes their ‘prototypical’ exemplar of sex. Other examples will need to fit in to the existing scaffold- leading to challenges in finding sexual norms. Exposure to violent ideology, particularly in the echo-chamber of the incel movement or followers of people like Andrew Tate likewise skews the scaffolding of appropriate societal norms.
The Question of Causation.
One of the most profound moments in Adolescence comes when Jamie’s father, Eddie, reflects on his own violent upbringing. He candidly shares his memories of being beaten by his father, yet he consciously chose a non-violent path when raising his own children. Eddie’s internal conflict reveals his struggle to reconcile his own upbringing with the tragic outcome of Jamie’s actions. This harrowing spousal conversation ameliorates the fear that they had inadvertently caused Katie’s death. It’s a question we are all wondering too. While Eddie tried to avoid his fathers’ corporal punishment discipline model, what behaviour management style stood in it’s place?
For all intents and purposes- Eddie is represented as an imperfect but earnest man and father. He works hard in a trade that he takes pride in, he expresses love towards his wife, he shows respect and gratitude towards her, he shows warmth towards his children (albeit somewhat physically detatched-perhaps a throwback of his violent upbringing). In fact, Jamie trusts him so much he chose Eddie to be his appropriate person. He sees Eddie as a safe and stable home base.
We also see an angry side of Eddie- although in the context of extreme stress it is difficult to judge whether this is out of character for him.
We get the sense though, that Eddie’s hypermasculinity (he is certainly physically imposing) as well as sterotyped gender portrayal (‘sport-loving handy-man’) exists at odds with his son, with whom he can’t really connect or understand. In the absence of being able to encourage him into interests and hobbies, Eddie and Manda allow him to spend excessive time on his computer. When they ask him to go to sleep at night he simply switches the light off, but continues in his online world unchecked. This permissiveness and lack of intervention is certainly displayed for the audience to question. Had Eddie stepped in to investigate how Jamie spent his time, had he provided a stricter framework for the privilege of online activity- might he have protected Jamie from radicalisation?
Neither Eddie nor Manda seem to have any idea where their 13 year old son was at 10:30 at night- another insight into their permissiveness. Is the series showcasing the dichotomy between permissive and abusive parenting? Have we, the next generation of parents, who steer away from the smacking and shaming of our childhood, swung the pendulum too far? Have we offered autonomy to our children whose brains are not developed enough to use it wisely? Have we disadvantaged them by stepping back?
Is this just one more impact of the abusive parenting many endured in generations past- parents who now feel the need to over-correct and thus disadvantage their children in another direction?
The show does not offer easy answers but instead raises questions about personal responsibility, generational trauma, and the complexities of adolescent identity formation. Eddie and Manda ultimately conclude that while they may have been able to do more, they are not solely responsible for their son’s crime. This nuanced portrayal highlights the importance of understanding how harmful behaviors develop through a complex interplay of environment, personal choices, and external influences.
You’ve been shocked by the show- now what to do?
Although this series depicts an extreme example of violent responding to bullying, it offers lessons to all of us potentially managing these themes in less severe forms. Here are some ideas for parents and caregivers.
Foster Open Communication: Create a safe and non-judgmental space for your child to discuss their experiences, feelings, and online interactions. Regular conversations can help identify potential issues early and provide opportunities for guidance.
Educate on Digital Literacy: Teach your child critical thinking skills to navigate online content responsibly. Discuss the potential dangers of unregulated internet use and encourage skepticism toward harmful ideologies.
Set Boundaries for Media Consumption: Establish clear guidelines for internet and social media use, including time limits and content restrictions. Utilize parental controls and monitor online activity to ensure a safe digital environment.
Promote Healthy Masculinity: Encourage expressions of emotion, empathy, and respect in your child. Challenge traditional gender stereotypes and provide diverse role models that exemplify positive and inclusive behaviours.
Address Exposure to Explicit Content: Engage in age-appropriate discussions about sexuality, consent, and the unrealistic portrayals often found in pornography. Providing accurate information can counteract misinformation and promote healthy attitudes.
Be Vigilant for Signs of Distress: Pay attention to changes in behaviour, mood, or social interactions that may indicate involvement in harmful activities or communities. Early intervention is crucial in addressing underlying issues. Use these as signals to scaffold more support.
Collaborate with Educators: Work alongside schools to ensure they are implementing comprehensive programs that address bullying, digital safety, and emotional well-being.
Get on the Front Foot: Teach children emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills early. It is harder to teach them how to manage anger when they are already angry! Social stories and other empathy building exercises can help those who may lack emotional understanding.
Encourage healthy and diverse identity formation: Children who feel apart of an ‘in-group’ fair better than those who can only connect with others who are disaffected. Although Jamie’s parents try, without success, to encourage him into sports, this is usually a good start for many children. Display curiosity and openness to the development of their personality and encourage their interests even when they don’t align with your traditional family expectations.
Adolescence serves as a powerful cultural artifact that challenges our understanding of modern youth challenges. By critically engaging with its themes, we can take proactive steps toward fostering resilience, empathy, and healthy development in our teenagers.