UK Government Faces Backlash Over Netflix’s 'Adolescence' School Screenings

Netflix’s series 'Adolescence' has sparked significant debate in the UK over its portrayal of a 13-year-old boy, Jamie, who murders a female classmate after being influenced by online misogynist and 'manosphere' content, including references to Andrew Tate. The show has been praised for its nuanced exploration of how social media can shape young boys’ self-perception and attitudes toward women, but some experts warn it risks engendering sympathy for the perpetrator while sidelining the victim’s voice. Despite positive reviews and government support to screen the series in British schools, over 1,800 professionals and parents have protested, expressing concerns that the drama is not a suitable psycho-educational tool and could potentially radicalize impressionable viewers. The series’ realistic depiction of Jamie’s internal struggles and vulnerability has left many viewers empathizing with him, raising questions about the balance between fostering understanding and inadvertently excusing violent behavior. Critics further note that treating the drama as a documentary is problematic, since it is a fictional work and not based on actual events. The controversy reflects broader anxieties about the influence of online misogyny and the responsibilities of media and educational institutions in addressing it.