Tackling sensitive topics in secondary schools: Lessons from Netflix’s Adolescence
Netflix’s drama is now available for free to all secondary schools. The series tackles toxic masculinity, online radicalisation, bullying, and the impact of misogyny. These hard-hitting themes resonate with today’s students.
Concerns about suitability
Some schools are grappling with whether exposing students to the series is a thought-provoking educational tool or a potential risk to their emotional wellbeing and classroom harmony.
Graphic content: Critics argue that the show’s depiction of manipulation, abuse, and murder may be too distressing for younger students. Dr. Jessica Taylor and other professionals have warned that shock tactics could traumatise vulnerable students or lead to unintended consequences including ridicule or bullying.
Developmental readiness: Experts highlight that not all adolescents can process such themes. This could disrupt classrooms or harm survivors of similar experiences.
Effectiveness: Past attempts to use graphic media for educational purposes have shown limited success in preventing harm but have caused anxiety and distress among students.
Whether it is a valuable teaching tool or gripping drama, showing Adolescence in schools isn’t a simple task. The series presents complex, emotionally charged issues. It means schools must create opportunities for critical thinking and nuanced discussions.
Creating a critical thinking space
The media plays a significant role in shaping students' perceptions of the world and themselves. From Netflix to TikTok, the messages students receive can be both positive and harmful. That’s why schools need to create space for students to think about what they’re encountering.
Encouraging open and respectful discussions
Online figures continue influencing young people. Research shows that a significant number of teenagers in the UK have consumed content from controversial figures, with many forming positive opinions of them. As a result, schools are seeing more pupils influenced by controversial online influencers and have to consider how best to respond.
To address this, schools can:
Establish ground rules for respectful discussions.
Incorporate active listening techniques.
Provide opportunities for anonymous contributions (e.g., online surveys or suggestion boxes).
Creating a safe space for discussion
A supportive learning environment is essential for tackling difficult topics. Schools can:
Use small group discussions or roleplay to explore sensitive issues.
Encourage journaling or reflection exercises.
Offer students access to helplines, trusted staff or in-school counselling.
Partner with safeguarding and wellbeing professionals for added support.
Senior leaders should consider the impact on staff wellbeing. The emotional weight of leading these conversations shouldn't fall on teachers alone.
Strategies to counter harmful influences in schools
Schools are addressing challenges through:
Educational interventions: Tailored lessons on stereotypes, critical thinking, and discussions about the credibility of online views. For example, St Dunstan’s school in London has developed age-specific lessons to counteract harmful narratives.
Promoting positive role models: Schools are encouraging students to look up to figures like Marcus Rashford who embody empathy and healthy masculinity. Candy Kittens confectionery founder Jamie Laing is also regarded as a role model after raising over £2m for Comic Relief.
Guidance for teachers: Resources to help teachers recognise signs of influence and encourage respectful attitudes among students.
Art therapy: Such initiatives can help students process emotions related to trauma, anxiety, and identity through creative expression. While impactful, they may need specialist staff.
Some schools have implemented approaches to tackle sensitive topics by incorporating restorative justice practices. This can help address bullying and conflict resolution.
Addressing different viewpoints
Schools can implement structured discussion guidelines to encourage respectful dialogue and active listening. If conversations become intense, introducing short breaks enables students to collect their thoughts and regulate their emotions before continuing. Teachers can also use mediation techniques to guide discussions toward common ground or shared concerns, helping to de-escalate tensions. Training in conflict resolution and critical thinking can further equip students with the skills to engage in constructive debates while fostering a culture of respect and collaboration.
Cross-curricular learning for deeper understanding
Addressing sensitive themes across different subjects can reinforce messages and support critical thinking:
English: Explore media portrayals of masculinity, bullying or power dynamics. Use creative writing and classroom debate to build empathy and critical thinking. A writing exercise where students write from the viewpoint of someone experiencing online bullying or discrimination can build empathy. Alternatively, writing where the narrator takes the role of the bully can be powerful. Classroom debates on topics such as the impact of social media influencers or the responsibilities of online platforms can encourage students to articulate their views, consider opposing perspectives, and develop critical thinking.
PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education): Lessons can focus on healthy relationships, coercive behaviour, online safety, and recognising harmful online influence. Invite diverse role models to broaden perspectives.
ICT/Computing: Teaching about digital footprints, online radicalisation, and cyberbullying equips students with the skills to navigate the online world.
Recommendations
Schools considering screening Adolescence could:
Tailor its use to older teens who are developmentally ready.
Incorporate trauma-informed strategies to ensure sensitive handling of its content.
Facilitate guided discussions to contextualise the show’s themes.
Provide support during and after screenings for students who may need emotional support.
Use resources from organisations like Tender and Into Film+.
Encourage critical thinking about themes such as toxic masculinity, online safety, and healthy relationships. This could form part of a school assembly.
Inform parents about the content and objectives of the series in advance. Offer them opportunities to preview the material to better understand its themes.
While Adolescence offers valuable lessons, its content necessitates careful implementation in schools to maximise impact while minimising harm. By embedding these discussions across the curriculum and creating an inclusive school culture, schools can empower students to challenge harmful narratives and engage critically with online media. Adolescence provides a timely opportunity for schools to address complex issues. But how they implement and support these conversations is key to its success.
At Holden Knight Education, we know addressing these issues takes more than good intentions. It takes the right team with the right training. That’s why we work closely with schools to provide the staff they need; not only to fill roles but to make a difference.