Why Adolescence On Netflix Is A Must-Watch For Every Parent

BULLYING

Jamie, the 13-year-old accused of murder, was relentlessly bullied at school, shunned for being "ugly," and cruelly labeled an "incel" (short for "involuntary celibate"). While the term is often associated with online communities of men who express frustration and resentment toward women due to a lack of romantic relationships, it’s crucial for parents to recognize how such labels can deeply affect a child’s mental well-being.

Meanwhile, the victim faced her own nightmare—public humiliation when her intimate photos were shared among classmates, exposing the devastating impact of cyberbullying and digital harassment.

If you suspect your child is being bullied:
✔ Encourage open communication
✔ Document incidents
✔ Involve school authorities
✔ Seek professional help if needed

Resource: Bullying Helplines in Singapore

MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA

Jamie’s struggles highlight the stigma surrounding mental health, especially among young boys. Despite clear signs of distress, the adults around him—parents, teachers, and peers—failed to intervene until it was too late, reflecting a wider societal pattern of neglecting adolescent mental health. Boys, in particular, often face pressure to appear strong and emotionally resilient, leading their struggles to be dismissed or overlooked.

Why It Matters: Early intervention can prevent crises. Normalizing therapy and fostering safe spaces where children feel comfortable expressing vulnerability is essential.

Resources: Child Psychologists, Therapists & Counselors in Singapore

TOXIC MASCULINITY

Jamie’s bond with his father, though outwardly warm, carried unspoken pressures. Desperate for his father’s approval, Jamie felt like a failure for not excelling in traditionally “male” activities like football. His internal struggle highlights how rigid gender norms can deeply impact a child’s self-esteem, reinforcing feelings of inadequacy.

How to Break the Cycle:
✔ Encourage emotional expression
✔ Support diverse interests
✔ Challenge gender stereotypes
✔ Model healthy masculinity

CONSENSUAL AND SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS AMONG MINORS

By the age of 13, Jamie had already been involved in some form of sexual activity, such as touching genitals with a peer. This brings up important questions about the early onset of sexual behavior in minors and how parents can help their children navigate consent, boundaries, and the emotional aspects of such relationships.

Guiding Conversations on Relationships and Sexuality

✔ Offer age-appropriate sex education

✔ Have open discussions about consent and boundaries

✔ Foster ongoing conversations about relationships

✔ Teach digital safety and privacy

EMOTIONAL MANAGEMENT

Jamie’s sessions with his clinical psychologist, Briony, uncovered a pattern of emotional instability and violent outbursts. He also alluded to his father’s struggles with anger, hinting at a generational cycle of emotional mismanagement.

Tips for emotional management:

• Practice mindfulness techniques

• Embrace healthy coping strategies

• Seek professional help when necessary

• Model emotional intelligence

Resource: Fostering Emotional Intelligence In Kids

EXPOSURE TO PORNOGRAPHY

Jamie confessed to watching pornography, a topic that many parents find challenging to discuss. Early exposure to explicit content can skew a child's understanding of intimacy, relationships, and respect. His experience highlights the importance of parental oversight in managing online activities.

Managing online content:

• Utilize parental controls and content filters

• Have conversations about healthy relationships and sexuality

• Educate about the potential harms of pornography

• Foster open communication about online experiences

THE ROLE OF SCHOOLS

When asked, Jamie’s teachers acknowledged they didn’t know much about him, citing the sheer volume of students they oversee. This highlights the need for schools to take a more active role in understanding and supporting each student individually.

Improving school support:

• Advocate for smaller class sizes

• Encourage regular parent-teacher communication

• Support school counseling programs

• Promote peer support initiatives

• Be present for your child and advocate on their behalf

THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

One of the more chilling aspects of the show is how social media influences interactions among Gen Z and Alpha. Emojis, for instance, often have meanings that can be drastically different from what parents might assume. Understanding these nuances is essential for staying connected with your child’s digital world. Additionally, implementing age-appropriate parental controls is crucial. These tools can help filter content, monitor interactions, and give parents the resources they need to better understand and guide their child's online behavior. Instagram, for example, has introduced Teen Accounts.

Commonly used Emojis:

🥺 = A pleading or emotional expression, often used to manipulate or guilt-trip others.
🔥 = Something "cool" or attractive.
💀 = "I'm dead," used to express laughter or being overwhelmed.
🙃 = Indicates sarcasm, irony, or passive-aggressiveness. It’s often used to say something "playfully" while masking true feelings.
😈 = Used to imply mischievousness, rebellion, or flirtation. It can also carry sinister undertones, depending on the context.
👀 = Suggests curiosity, attention, or gossip. Commonly used to indicate something is being observed or to draw attention to something interesting or scandalous.
🍆 & 🍑 = These emojis are often used to represent male and female anatomy, respectively, in a sexualized context.
🚩 = Represents a warning or a sign that something is problematic or concerning.
😬 = Used to express awkwardness, discomfort, or unease.
😅 = Represents nervousness or relief, often used to downplay an awkward or tense situation.
🐒 = Typically represents goofiness, shyness, or embarrassment.
👻 = Refers to ghosting someone (suddenly cutting off communication) or being playful.
🌚 = Represents sarcasm, flirtation, or a sly, "I know something you don’t" vibe.
🧍‍♂️ = Represents feeling awkward or out of place, often used humorously to show “I don’t know what to do.”