By Erin & Josh, both 17,
Netflix’s drama Adolescence has sparked major conversations about the struggles of growing up today, with even the Prime Minister reportedly speaking to Netflix about its impact. Now, some schools are considering adding it to the curriculum as an educational tool.
But while adults debate its value, many young people are questioning whether watching a TV drama about teenage issues is actually the best way to help us. Yes, Adolescence shines a light on serious issues like incel culture, mental health, social media and school pressure, but we don’t need awareness. We need action.
Instead of just showing a scripted version of what we already live through, young people want proper support: better youth services, mental health resources and real spaces where we can feel safe and heard.
There’s no denying Adolescence has made an impact. Its raw, often intense portrayal of teenage life has resonated with many, but mostly with adults who don’t live it. Teenagers experience the brutality of life online and intense school days every day.
“It’s great that adults are finally paying attention to what we go through,” says Hannah, 16. “But what’s the point of showing us something we already experience?”
Some young people feel the drama exaggerates certain struggles, while others say it only highlights problems without offering solutions.
“I watched it and just kept thinking, ‘This feels so real, so what’s the point?’. Said Adam 17 “I don’t need a TV show to tell me that these things go on through social media or that school is stressful. What I need is someone to actually do something.”
“Awareness Isn’t the Answer, Support Is”
The fact that the Prime Minister is speaking to Netflix about Adolescence shows how much attention the drama has received. But will that actually lead to real change?
“They’ll show us the drama, then what?” asks Amina, 18. “Are they going to invest in more counsellors? Fund youth services? Actuall, change the way schools deal with online abuse and incels? Or are they just going to ‘raise awareness’ and move on?”
For years, youth mental health services have been underfunded, school counsellors are overworked, and youth clubs, the places that provide support, are disappearing. A TV drama might get people talking, but talking isn’t the same as action.
If adults think showing Adolescence in schools will fix anything, they’re missing the point. Young people don’t need more reminders of the struggles we face, we need solutions.
Youth centres, after-school programmes and trained professionals who actually listen to young people make a real difference.
Access to proper counselling and mental health support before a crisis happens, not just when it’s already too late.
Schools focusing on wellbeing, not just grades and actually addressing the pressures that make young people anxious in the first place.
Instead of telling us about the impact of social media, give us alternatives: places where we can socialise, be creative, and feel supported offline.
We’re not saying Adolescence is bad, it’s just not enough. If the Prime Minister and Netflix want to make a real difference, they should focus less on discussing a TV show and more on funding real support systems for young people.
Because at the end of the day, awareness is nice, but action is what actually changes and saves lives.
This story was written by a young person as part of the Headliners Young Journalist programme. This project was made possible by the Million Hours Fund.
