In what might be a first for us, this feature is prompted by a TV show. Many in our community may have already watched Adolescence on Netflix. It’s a four-part drama based in West Yorkshire and a tough watch, though most critics are describing it as near perfection and the most important progamme of recent years. It is highly recommended, but it’s certainly challenging and disturbing.
The drama is an insight into the online world of teenagers, particularly cyber-bullying, the coded meanings of emojis and the horrible word of the ‘manosphere’ where influencers encourage extreme anti-woman sentiment and actions amongst their followers.
Whilst this is a drama centred around a secondary school, some of the themes have already begun to filter into the lives of children in primary, a tiny proportion of our own here included, most often reportedly via older brothers. We have already had to support children who have been exposed to the unacceptable views of some dangerous influencers. Sadly, this is the world children going into secondary may be exposed to and the key to protection is to be completely ‘on it’ early; in an age appropriate way, of course.
The programme prompts us to remind all families of the need for awareness of the online world and that as adults we just do not ‘get it’. There is a generational chasm that we need to try to bridge for the safety and wellbeing of our children.
Don’t worry – we’re not making this unpleasant subject part of our curriculum. We will just continue to stress the importance of respect and equity. We will, as we have already, deal with concerns on an as needs basis. We are simply sharing this as a ‘heads up’ to parents and carers.
Key advice on dealing with this world includes:
Having open conversations about gender and being a male
Encourage young people to question what influencers are telling them. Why are they saying that? What is the evidence? What do they stand to gain from it?
Promote positive role models
Monitor online activity
There are lots of guides for families out there, two of which linked below…