Netflix’s Adolescence is making parents panic about what kids do online — but should they be?
the dangers of drugs or alcohol,\” she said. \”Parents need to be having the conversation about online safety, about media literacy, about the dangers of toxic masculinity and misogyny that their children might be exposed to online.\”
Education and communication are key, MacDonald added. Parents need to be aware of what their children are watching, reading, and engaging with online. They need to talk to their kids about healthy relationships, consent, and respect for others.
\”It can be tough to talk about these things, but it\’s essential,\” she said. \”We need to be proactive in addressing these issues before they escalate.\”
Adolescence may be a fictional drama, but it raises important questions about the realities of raising children in today\’s digital world. Parents can use it as a starting point for conversations with their kids about online safety, toxic masculinity, and healthy relationships.
As the show\’s creator, Jack Thorne, said in a recent interview, \”Adolescence is a wake-up call for all of us.\” It\’s a reminder that we need to be vigilant and proactive in protecting our children from the harmful influences of the online world.
So, if Adolescence is making parents uncomfortable, maybe that\’s a good thing. It\’s a reminder that we can\’t bury our heads in the sand and ignore the dangers that lurk online. We need to be aware, informed, and ready to have the tough conversations that will help keep our kids safe.
