Netflix’s “Adolescence” Sparks Global Conversation on Online Misogyny and Youth Violence

The gripping British drama Adolescence has struck a nerve worldwide, captivating over 96 million viewers since its Netflix release on March 13. The four-part series begins with the dramatic arrest of a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a young girl and ends with a harrowing depiction of the devastation left in the wake of such violence. Each episode, filmed in a single unbroken take, intensifies the emotional impact and challenges viewers to confront the uncomfortable possibility that children are not immune to radicalisation and violence.

The series explores the dark corners of the internet known as the “manosphere,” where teenage boys often find refuge for their insecurities, only to be manipulated by toxic ideologies that breed misogyny and resentment. It offers a chilling insight into how normal teenage doubts around identity and attraction can, under the influence of online content, spiral into something far more dangerous.

The emotional and psychological power of the series has resonated globally, topping Netflix charts in nearly every country where the platform operates, from Brazil to Bahrain. Despite being a British production, its themes—online safety, radicalisation, and gender violence—have proven universal, prompting international reactions. Portuguese police issued a guide to help parents understand coded online language, and Australian media provided resources to encourage open communication between parents and children.

In the UK, Adolescence made its way into the home of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who viewed the series with his teenage children. Calling the experience impactful, he endorsed initiatives to make the series accessible in schools and emphasized the need for national dialogue, noting that legislation alone cannot solve these deeply rooted issues.

Teachers and campaigners see the show as a rare opportunity to engage.

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