Parents in the Channel Islands have voiced concerns about the issues raised in the Netflix series Adolescence, highlighting the need for communities to come together and address growing safeguarding challenges.
Vicky O’Neil, a mother from Jersey, described the series as “sobering” and a stark reminder of the pressures faced by young people today. The four-part drama follows the family of a 13-year-old boy arrested for the murder of a female classmate, exploring themes of bullying, incel (involuntary celibacy) culture, and the impact of social media on teenagers.
A safeguarding crisis
Ms O’Neil stressed that Adolescence “reiterates this safeguarding crisis that we’re having.” She noted that while many parents might instinctively say, “Just don’t give your child a phone,” the reality is far more complex.
“It’s quite easy, I think, to assume that limiting access to technology is the answer, but our very restrictive approach resulted in social exclusion for one of our children,” she explained.
She urged for open discussions within the community to address the increasing exposure of young boys to misogynistic content online.
“We’re seeing how deeply entrenched misogyny is becoming with our boys, and I think we should be really, really alarmed by this. I’d love us to start talking about it, accept there’s no easy answer, and try to do something.”
She also called for greater support from schools for parents who choose to delay giving their children smartphones.
A show that strikes a chord
Adolescence, starring Graham as father Eddie and Owen Cooper as Jamie, became the most-watched programme on Netflix globally in the days following its release last week.
Sally Rochester, a mother from Guernsey with children aged 14 and 16, said she found the final episode particularly difficult to watch.
“It was harrowing,” she admitted. “As parents, we find ourselves wanting to protect our children, but letting these devices into their lives, even for understandable reasons, puts them at some extraordinary risk.”
Her concerns echo growing fears that young people are increasingly exposed to harmful online communities and predatory behaviours.
Government response to online safety concerns
In a recent States Assembly meeting, Jersey’s Minister for Children and Families, Constable Richard Vibert, addressed the issue of online safety, directing parents to resources available on the Government of Jersey’s website.
The website includes practical guidance on discussing online risks with children, using parental controls, and managing screen time effectively.
While these resources provide valuable support, some parents argue that more needs to be done to tackle the root causes of online harm and ensure that schools, families, and communities work together to create safer environments for young people.
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The challenge of digital parenting
The debate over how to navigate children’s access to technology continues to divide parents. While some advocate for strict restrictions, others worry about the social implications of keeping their children offline.
The issues raised in Adolescence have sparked wider conversations about the challenges of digital parenting, the influence of online subcultures, and the responsibilities of both families and social media platforms in protecting young users.
With increasing concerns over the rise of online misogyny, cyberbullying, and harmful digital communities, many parents and educators believe urgent action is needed to equip children with the tools to navigate the digital world safely.
As Adolescence continues to provoke discussions, one thing remains clear: the need for a collective approach to safeguarding children in an era of unprecedented digital exposure.
