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Netflix hit series “Adolescence”, is a TV drama exploring gender dynamics and youth violence. It has sparked widespread debate in the education community. At Life Lessons we are firm believers that “Adolescence” is not appropriate to be shown to children or young people as education material. 

“Adolescence” Will Not Solve the Problem of Gender-Based Violence

While “Adolescence” may be a compelling drama and inspired by the rise of youth knife crime in the UK, it is important to remember that it is a work of fiction.

Emily Setty, a lecturer and researcher at the University of Surrey, discussed how the show does not provide definitive answers about masculinity, modern parenting, or young people’s struggles. It is a reflection, not a roadmap. Viewing it as a ‘reality check’ for students risks sensationalising the issue rather than addressing its root causes.

“In the rush to respond, many have claimed that the show [Adolescence] “proves” something about boys, masculinity or modern parenting. It doesn’t. It’s a powerful work of fiction—not a data point. Even controlled research studies don’t prove anything in absolute terms.

What Adolescence can do is open space for reflection: on gender, violence, identity and the systems that shape young people’s lives. But let’s resist turning it into a moral instruction manual or a ‘reality check’ to be imposed on students or parents.”

Many young men and boys are feeling increasingly isolated and blamed for violence and other types of inappropriate behaviour that is happening in our society. These feelings of displacement run the risk of pushing young men towards online spaces with extreme viewpoints like the manosphere, where misogynistic and extremist ideologies thrive. It is also important to note that a very small minority of men believe in this ideology, the majority of young men are not in these groups. 

Rather than relying on a fictional series to address issues of gender-based violence and misogyny, schools should focus on a well-planned PSHE curriculum that fosters healthy conversations, empathy, and positive male role models to help ensure boys know how to express their feelings in a healthy way, understand their place in society, have a strong sense of identity and to prevent this violence from happening in the future.

The Importance of Belonging for Young Men

Young people are constantly seeking role models to guide them through life. Vulnerable young men, who do not have positive role models in their offline lives, may turn to online influencers and communities to find a sense of meaning and belonging. When conversations surrounding gender-based violence arise, it is easy for the conversation to start to blame. Men can be seen as the issues, the villains which is not a productive conversation and does not fix anything. 

When this happens boys and men may feel like the victim due to lower quality of life and fewer opportunities. They may look to blame women, instead of taking responsibility or understanding the wider social issues that lead to this. At Life Lessons we want to focus on preventing these thoughts rather than laying blame.

Schools Offering Safe Spaces for Discussion 

The effects that extreme misogynistic views have on young people are not new. With people like Andrew Tate influencing young men and boys and online communities that radicalise young boys from within their rooms; everyday sexism is becoming alarmingly common. 

At Life Lessons we believe an evidence-based PSHE curriculum will help young men to navigate their emotions, relationships, and identities in a healthy way.

A high-quality PSHE curriculum should:

  • Encourage open conversations about masculinity, relationships, and respect.
  • Challenge gender stereotypes and perceived notions around gender.  
  • Promote empathy and emotional resilience, equipping young men with the tools to express themselves without resorting to harmful behaviours.
  • Showcase positive male role models, demonstrating that strength and success are not defined by dominance but by respect, kindness, and integrity.

The Power of Positive Role Models 

​In his recent Richard Dimbleby Lecture, Sir Gareth Southgate emphasised the critical need for young men to develop belief and resilience. He shared his own experiences and times when he felt like he had failed. Most notably his missed penalty in the semi-finals of the 1996 Football European Championship against Germany, which led to England’s elimination from the tournament.

Sir Gareth Southgate expressed concern that many men and young boys are becoming isolated and hesitant to share their emotions, leading them to seek guidance from harmful online influencers. Southgate advocated for fostering environments where young men can experience failure constructively, enabling them to build inner strength and character. He underscored the importance of real-world mentors and positive role models in guiding young men toward healthier, more authentic definitions of success.

The Life Lessons Approach 

Rather than relying on fictional programmes to educate young people about serious topics such as gender-based violence and harmful online influences, we encourage educators to invest in consistent, meaningful education that empowers young men and boys. Schools must take a proactive, rather than reactive, approach; one that acknowledges the challenges young people face while offering them practical tools to navigate life with confidence and respect.

At Life Lessons, we stand for education that builds better futures, not just dramatic reactions to social issues. Let’s focus on real, impactful change and helping young people to thrive and make good decisions. 

Our support for schools 

In response to the conversations sparked by the “Adolescence” programme and the valuable feedback from our partner schools, Life Lessons has developed a comprehensive teacher guide on anti-misogyny. This guide is designed to empower schools in addressing the key issues raised by the programme and providing young people with the support they need.

Our teacher guidance covers the following key areas:

  • What is “Adolescence”?
  • Understanding the manosphere
  • Examining misogyny and sexism in today’s climate
  • Approaching these topics in schools
  • A guide to facilitating sensitive conversations on these issues

In this guide, we emphasise that we do not recommend showing the programme in schools. Many students may find the themes distressing, and in some cases, it could unintentionally raise awareness of issues that weren’t previously on their radar. Additionally, it could lead to boys feeling victimised or singled out with responses like “not all men!” We believe it’s more effective to address the core issues directly through open discussion.

You can download our guidance here.

To further support schools, we’ve developed several 15-minute lessons that tackle some of the underlying concerns highlighted by the programme:

  • Media Literacy: Reading between the lines 
  • Conspiracy and extremism online: understanding conspiracy theories and extremist views
  • Mental health and masculinity: Why can boys and men struggle to talk about their feelings? 
  • Identity and community: How can I find belonging?
  • Self-esteem and blame: How do I improve my self-esteem?

Through these resources, we aim to provide schools with the tools to engage in meaningful conversations and support their students in navigating these important topics.