Adolescence Writer Says Role Models Aren’t Enough: ‘We've Got To Change The Culture’
Adolescence writer Jack Thorne feels the government needs to take stronger action to tackle the issues raised by the show.
Netflix’s latest series Adolescence has been widely praised for its unique filming style, with each episode shot in a single take. Since its premiere, the show has ignited discussions on masculinity, social media’s influence, and the factors that may have led 13-year-old Jamie to become a killer. Writer Jack Thorne revealed that many viewers have reached out, sharing how the show has sparked meaningful conversations with their children. Thorne believes stronger government intervention is necessary, arguing that better role models alone won’t suffice, but “radical" changes are needed to address these issues.
In a conversation with BBC, Thorne said, “I’ve had lots of responses from people I haven’t heard from for years, telling me about conversations they’re now having with their children. That’s really gratifying. My son’s headteacher stopped me at the school gates to say, ‘I’d like to talk to you about this and I’d like to think about what our school can do and what other schools can do.’ The conversations seem to be starting in all sorts of different places. I really hope this is a drama that suggests that Jamie is like this because of a whole number of complicated factors."
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Adolescence highlights how social media and incel ideologies can negatively influence young men, leading them to blame women for their struggles. However, the series goes beyond just incel culture, also exploring the roles of Jamie’s parents, school, and friends in shaping his mindset. According to writer Jack Thorne, Jamie is a lonely and vulnerable boy who lacks the ability to distinguish right from wrong. Absorbing everything around him without question, he eventually comes to believe that violence is the only way to change his situation.
The writer explored 4Chan and Reddit to understand Jamie’s perspective, uncovering how harmful ideas spread not just through well-known figures but also through blogs, videos, and even games. These subtle messages were especially concerning as they quietly shaped young minds. He also believes that simply providing better role models is not enough to counteract these influences.
“This has got to be a point where we do something a bit more radical. It’s not about role models. Role models obviously can have a huge impact on people. But truthfully, we’ve got to change the culture that they’re consuming and the means by which our technology is facilitating this culture," Jack Thorne added.
Thorne wants the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, to understand that schools are facing a serious problem. It is important to find ways to prevent boys from hurting girls and even each other. Thorne suggests that the UK should follow in Australia’s footsteps by setting a minimum age for social media use and asking them to ban smartphones in schools.
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