Dr Sophie King-Hill explains why caution is needed when it comes to showing Adolescence in schools.
On the success of and conversation started by Netflix’s Adolescence, Dr King-Hill commented:
“Adolescence has been highlighted via many media channels for its powerful storytelling and the topics it raises. The Prime Minister has also backed a campaign to show the drama in schools. However, we need to be careful about treating a fictional story like this as an educational source.
“Whilst programmes like this can be useful, sensationalism and extreme examples can also be incredibly damaging. Adolescence, and programmes like it, do highlight serious issues in society which are not going away. This can be evidenced in the 2021 Ofsted report into sexual harassment in schools and the Everyone’s Invited website that has received over 50,000 testimonials of sexual harassment since its inception in 2020. Figures show that harmful sexual behaviour among under-18s in the UK is increasing.
“The problem is that these programmes risk detracting from other issues that surround sexual harassment and harmful sexual behaviour carried out by boys against girls that do not appear as extreme. These issues need addressing in a safe environment where young people of all genders can explore the issues that surround them. Misogyny and violence against women and children carried out by men and boys is evident, but conversations and communication need to happen to challenge harmful opinions and misinformation, and get to the root of the problem. Unhelpful and poorly thought-out conversations can shut this down. Listening to young people about what would be helpful to them to address and explore these issues is an important first step.
“Showing this in schools needs careful consideration. With adequate wrap-around lessons, discussions and aftercare. This cannot just be shown to children and young people without this – to help them explore the issues that it raises. We need to ask young people and talk to them about what they will find helpful and useful. To think we will solve issues within society, just by watching a programme, is at the very least naive.“
Associate Professor
Dr Sophie King-Hill is a Senior Fellow in HSMC at the University of Birmingham.
