I recently watched Netflix’s latest limited series, Adolescence, and I have to say—it left me speechless. With only four episodes, this series does an incredible job of portraying the struggles that today’s kids face. It’s raw, emotional, and, honestly, heartbreaking.
The story follows a 13-year-old boy who gets arrested, leading to an investigation that slowly unravels the complexities of his life.
The director has brilliantly captured the harsh realities of growing up in the digital age. Social media has transformed childhood so drastically that kids today don’t even seem like kids anymore.
Must-read article- Do You Know the Effects of Social Media on Teenagers?
What truly stands out in this series is how well it portrays the emotional turmoil of both the boy and his family. The storytelling, performances, and direction all come together to create something that feels incredibly real.
Most liked article- Improve Parenting in the Digital Era
What Adolescence Reveals About Today’s Youth
When we talk about raising children, we usually think about the influence of family—parents, siblings, grandparents, and other close relatives. Traditionally, kids who grow up in unstable households (with neglectful parents, substance abuse, or relationship issues) are more likely to develop behavioral problems and even engage in criminal activities.
But this series highlights something even more alarming: Even children from loving, stable homes are vulnerable in today’s world.
The story feels personal because it reflects the lives of so many families. The boy’s mother is caring and attentive. His father works hard to provide for the family.
From the outside, they seem like a typical, happy household. But what they don’t realize is that danger isn’t just outside their home—it’s inside, right in their child’s hands.
Must-Read article- Obesity in Children- Do Parents have to be Concerned?
We often assume that as long as our kids are at home, they’re safe. But with smartphones, tablets, and computers, they have access to the entire world, and not all of it is good.
Social media has given kids a new reality—one where they face pressure to look perfect, to be liked by their peers, and to engage with content they’re often too young to understand.
They experience cyberbullying, peer pressure, exposure to inappropriate material, and also the false narration of masculinity and feminism, all without parents even realizing what’s happening.
The saddest part? Most of us parents have no idea how much our children are struggling. The emotional and mental toll this takes on them is enormous.
Final Thoughts: Where Do We Go From Here?
We’re all still figuring out how to navigate parenting in the digital age. Many governments are working on setting age limits for social media use, but kids are smart. They always find loopholes, pushing boundaries as they grow—which, let’s be honest, is completely normal.
However, when it comes to their mental health and emotional well-being, we need to be extra careful. Their brains are still developing, and they need our guidance more than ever.
So, what’s the right approach?
Should parents have stricter control over their children’s social media usage?
Should we allow them some independence and hope they make the right choices?
If you’ve watched Adolescence, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
What do you think about the way it portrays today’s youth?
Do you believe parental control is necessary, or is there a better way to handle this issue?
Let’s start the conversation—share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
Happy Parenting!