by Louise Doyle
ADOLESCENCE on Netflix has gripped the nation. It has started a conversation between parents and their children, friends and even in workplaces.
The British crime drama centres on a 13-year-old schoolboy named Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper, who, within minutes of the first episode, is arrested for the murder of a girl in his school.
What unravels is the devastating consequences of toxic masculinity amid the rise of social media influencers such as Andrew Tate.
The mini-series is receiving deserved critical acclaim for its directing, writing, and cinematography, as well as its atmosphere and performances. It has sparked debate globally and closer to home, with Tanáiste Simon Harris calling for it to be made compulsory viewing in secondary schools around the country.
We went to the ATU Letterkenny campus yesterday to garner the views of students on it.
Alana McConnell, who is mum to two daughters, described it as “eye opening”. She watched it with her children.
“I absolutely loved it. It was very dark, especially the second and third episodes,” she said.
“I have children those same ages, so for me it was like being made more aware of their online activity, the meanings behind emojis and even keeping the lines of communication open with them which is key for me anyway.”
Alana said it was heartbreaking that the parents blamed themselves.
“You can only do your best as a parent. I told my eldest girl that I was learning with her. I would definitely say to start educating children young on cyber bullying because it is prevalent. Kids are getting phones at younger and younger ages.”
Twenty-year old Ashling McDaid said she too was struck by the heartbreak of the parents of Jamie Miller, as they had also lost a child in many ways.
“I thought it was really good, the acting was incredible. The young boy portrayed the emotion so rawly. The parents did what any parents would do. They supported him even though they knew what he did was wrong. It must have been so hard for them.”
Ashling said when she was at school social media was a new phenomenon which she wasn’t impacted by.
“I think there’s so much more pressure on young people now. They feel that they have to be a certain someone. The young boy in the show thought he wasn’t attractive and that is something you shouldn’t have to think about at 13. It wasn’t something I was thinking. He was prioritising things that he shouldn’t have been for his age.
“I would like to see the show shown in schools as it highlights the negative side of social media very well. You can go down a rabbit hole.”
Harry Good praised the show for shining a light on the dark side of social media.
“I thought it was brilliant, very insightful as to what’s going on with teenagers at the minute. It’s something that there hasn’t been enough light shed on. I’d heard a little bit about what the emojis (in the show) meant, but that is language for many younger groups.
“I’ve a younger brother who is 17 and he’s watching it. We’ll have a chat about it together afterwards. I’m sure there will be plenty of conversations about it.
“For society as a whole, it’s an important watch for everyone. It’s very impactful the whole way through.”
Sarah Fannin watched Adolescence and said she is encouraging her younger brother to watch it too.
“The fact Andrew Tate, who has a terrifying influence, was brought up in it is so scary.”
Alana McConnell.
David Fitzpatrick and Ashling McDaid.
Harry Good.
Sarah Fannin.
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