The Explainer
28 Mar 2025
What has Adolescence done to highlight the dangers for children online?
00:00
New Netflix drama Adolescence has gripped viewers globally with its uncompromising look at the influence of toxic social media on young, teenage boys. It delves into the ‘why’ of this violent crime, asking the uncomfortable questions about how a seemingly ‘normal’ boy from an ‘ordinary’ family could be brought to such hate and violence — under their noses, their child has come to identify with toxic online male influencers. Will this seminal piece of television provide a wake-up call for governments and social media giants when it comes to protecting children online? And what can teachers and parents learn from it? We’re joined by secondary school teacher, assistant principal and SPHE & Wellbeing Coordinator Eoghan Cleary.