After ‘Adolescence’: What’s Next?
- Kayla B.
- 25 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Everyone’s been talking about it! Netflix’s hit series Adolescence has effectively changed how we see schools, the student body, and the interactions within. The series crowned itself king of Netflix’s top ten streaming series with 6.45 million viewers the week of its release. But now that the talk’s over, the question begs, “What next?”
After the series’ debut, spike in popularity, and even broadcast by the prime minister of the UK, the series has encouraged several schools like EARJ to hold parent conferences and student assemblies about the importance of not ending up like main character Jamie’s school: poorly run, neglected, and full of bullies. These have been educating on the importance of teaching kids the proper way to use social media and handle toxic masculinity, both in school and online. Focusing on unfiltered speech and its effect on students, adults are taking the time to speak with them on the importance of eliminating sexism, insecurity, and social invalidity.
However, as students, we should also be aware of these themes that surround us and how they affect our social life at school. With toxic masculinity and sexism, which lead to prejudice and stereotypes against inclusive clubs like Q&A, our school still struggles against embracing inclusivity and creating a safe space for all students. Whether it’s only speaking in Portuguese, creating nicknames out of insecurities, or leading a student body that does not fully understand what clubs like Q&A (queer and alliance) and GSA (global student association) stand for, these pressing issues cause our student body to be closed off, not allowing for people to fully flourish in our academic society.
Q&A isn’t only “the gay club”. GSA isn’t only for the “international group”. The sooner we realize this, the sooner things will change for the better. But this change cannot only be a parent/teacher effort.
It must come from us students as well.
For more information about how our student body is affected by themes present in Adolescence, please refer to this link to a work made by a student, with real student and teacher voices included!
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