The hit Netflix show Adolescence has triggered a nationwide discussion into online issues amongst teenagers with calls for the series to be shown in school. James Woodhouse, Computer Science Lead at Save My Exams has urged the UK Government’s ongoing curriculum review to include specific guidance and training for teachers to better educate teens on current social issues.
Adolescence is the latest crime drama to land on Netflix and it has already proven to be hugely popular with TV viewers. The mini-series has been causing quite a stir since its premiere on Thursday 13 March. In the gripping series, the story follows the lives of a family whose world is turned upside down when their 13-year-old son, Jamie Miller, is arrested for the murder of a schoolmate, forcing them to face “every parent’s worst nightmare”.
James Woodhouse, Computer Science Lead at Save My Exams, says teachers need more support.
He said: “Adolescence has shone a national light on some of the issues schools and teachers are having to deal with on a regular basis.
“There has been a notable surge in the number of incidents stemming from negative online behaviours such as cyber bullying, online incel propaganda, revenge porn and the manosphere network on social media platforms, causing troubling behaviours to be brought into the school environment.”
James says it is challenging for teachers and stressful for parents to copy with the changes in teenage behaviour as a result of extremist topics and cultures online, as highlighted in the new Netflix drama.
He continues: “Within schools, there is PSHE, and also a focus on events such as Safer Internet Day incorporated within tutorial periods.
“However, as you approach Year 10 and Year 11, when children are of adolescent age, the GCSE curriculum obviously becomes a priority.”
James is hopeful that the new drama will drive focus and promote change to reiterate important messages around what content young adults are consuming online.
He says it would be beneficial if the UK Government’s ongoing curriculum review reflected these emerging social issues, providing targeted resources to schools and teachers to help educate students on the dangers of this content.
He adds: “As well as offering targeted support for teachers to counteract these concerning behaviours and attitudes, it would also be beneficial to see resources extended to parents to better educate them about social media, helping to address the emerging online void between some teenagers and adults.
“Parents and teachers are having to up their game to try and keep children safe online, and awareness and education is needed, particularly into the ways that messages can be hidden within videos through double-meaning words or emojis, and advancements in the capabilities of AI – particularly relating to deep fakes, catfishing and fake news.”
