UK Schools Screen ‘Adolescence’ to Tackle Social Media Harm — Should India Adapt?

In a significant move to address the impact of social media on teenagers, schools across the United Kingdom have begun screening the Netflix series ‘Adolescence’ to raise awareness about the negative effects of social media on teenagers. The initiative, backed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aims to spark classroom discussions on online radicalization, toxic masculinity, mental health, and the impact of digital platforms on teenagers or adolescent behavior. 

Why Is the UK Screening ‘Adolescence’ in Schools?
The UK government, along with educators and mental health advocates, sees Adolescence as a powerful resource to combat rising concerns around teenage exposure to harmful online content. It has topped Netflix charts in numerous countries and prompted real-world responses, including guides from Portuguese police and media resources for parents and educators. Campaigners, teachers, and police see this as a rare opportunity to address online radicalization and gender-based violence.

PM Keir Starmer emphasized that the show could play a critical role in helping young students understand the dangers of online misogyny and radicalization. Schools are using the series to encourage open conversations about gender-based violence, emotional well-being, and the importance of healthy relationship.

Media experts, law enforcement, and educators calling the show a “rare opportunity” to squarely address challenging digital-age concerns have found resonance in the series internationally. Guides and discussion materials are already being circulated in several countries to help teachers and parents talk to teens about the show’s themes.

Anurag Kashyap Speaks Out on India’s Creative Constraints

In India, the series has garnered attention from notable filmmakers. Anurag Kashyap praised ‘Adolescence’ for its bold storytelling and unflinching portrayal of sensitive issues. However, he criticized Netflix India, calling its leadership “dishonest and morally corrupt,” and expressed skepticism about the possibility of producing similar content in the Indian context. Kashyap highlighted the platform’s reluctance to approve daring content for the Indian market, contrasting it with the creative liberties taken in other regions.

With over 500 million young internet users, India faces mounting challenges related to digital addiction, cyberbullying, and online radicalization. Many  suicide cases in india happen because of cyberbullying and online harassment. Nowadays, young adults are  getting more addictive in social media and using this without knowing its effect on their life. So, it is very impotent to aware them about the  consequences of excessive social media uses. While Adolescence has not been officially adopted in Indian schools but this series can help to understand the difference between the harm and humor.

As the UK sets an example by integrating critical media into its educational system, India now has an opportunity to evaluate its own approach. With rising concerns about adolescent mental health and digital exposure, adopting similar initiatives could be a step in the right direction.