The UK Parliament’s Women and Equalities Committee convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss the Netflix series Adolescence, focusing on its portrayal of misogyny among young men. The hearing featured testimonies from the show’s creator, Jack Thorne, and executive producer Emily Feller, who addressed concerns about the influence of online misogynistic content on youth behavior.
The series, which has garnered significant attention, depicts a 13-year-old boy’s descent into violence, allegedly influenced by toxic online communities. Critics argue that the government’s focus on a fictional narrative may divert attention from more pressing societal issues. The decision to hold a parliamentary hearing on a television show has sparked debate about the appropriate use of legislative time and resources.
Proponents of the hearing assert that Adolescence highlights real concerns about the impact of digital media on young minds and the potential for radicalization through online platforms. They advocate for educational initiatives to address these issues, including the integration of the series into school curricula to prompt discussions on healthy relationships and digital literacy.
Opponents, however, question the efficacy of using a dramatized account as a basis for policy discussions. They caution against conflating fictional portrayals with empirical evidence, emphasizing the need for data-driven approaches to address youth behavior and online safety.
The hearing underscores the ongoing debate over the role of media in shaping public discourse and the responsibilities of governmental bodies in responding to cultural phenomena. As discussions continue, the balance between cultural commentary and legislative action remains a contentious topic.
