Have You Seen Adolescence?
What Adolescence Teaches Us About the Collective Responsibility of Raising Children
The gripping Netflix series Adolescence has sparked deep conversations about the role of society in shaping and protecting the next generation. The show doesn’t just tell a tragic story—it serves as a wake-up call, reminding us that raising children isn’t just the responsibility of parents. It truly takes a village.
A Child Is Shaped by More Than Just Their Parents
One of the most unsettling themes of Adolescence is how easily a young person can slip through the cracks. Jamie Miller, the 13-year-old boy at the center of the story, is not a monster born in isolation. His environment, his influences, and his community (or lack thereof) all play a role in shaping his actions.
This isn’t just a fictionalised cautionary tale—it’s a reality we see time and time again. Kids absorb everything from the world around them. Teachers, neighbors, extended family, youth mentors, online communities, and even strangers they encounter daily all contribute to their understanding of the world. We cannot simply look away and say, “Not my child, not my problem.”
The Dangers of Digital Isolation
Adolescence highlights how children and teenagers can be deeply influenced by toxic online spaces. Jamie’s descent into dark ideologies isn’t just about his home life—it’s about the wider digital world that often goes unmonitored.
This raises a crucial question: Are we, as a society, doing enough to ensure children are protected from harmful online influences? Parents can’t do it alone. Schools, tech companies, policymakers, and community leaders must step in. Conversations about media literacy, mental health support, and safe online spaces need to be a shared responsibility.
Community Accountability: The Warning Signs We Ignore
One of the most haunting aspects of the series is how many people in Jamie’s life noticed red flags but either dismissed them or assumed it wasn’t their place to intervene.
A teacher may have noticed a change in his behavior.
A neighbor may have overheard troubling conversations.
Friends may have seen his troubling online activity.
When we see warning signs in a child’s life—whether they seem withdrawn, angry, or influenced by harmful ideologies—our instinct shouldn’t be to look away. A simple check-in, a call to a guidance counselor, or an offer of support to their family can make all the difference.
It Takes a Village to Raise (and Protect) a Child
The old saying still rings true: it takes a village. Children need role models beyond their parents. They need teachers who care, neighbors who notice, and communities that offer safe and supportive spaces. If we don’t collectively take responsibility for the well-being of all children, we risk allowing more to fall into dangerous paths.
Adolescence is a difficult watch, but an important one. It forces us to ask hard questions: What kind of world are we creating for young people? Are we doing enough to support parents? Are we, as individuals, stepping up when we see a child in need?
The lesson is clear: Even if you’re not a parent, you have a role to play. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or simply being a watchful and caring adult in a child’s life—your influence matters.
Children don’t just belong to their families; they belong to all of us. And their future is, ultimately, in our hands.
What are your thoughts on Adolescence? How do you think we can better support young people in our communities? Let’s talk in the comments!
Written By Nanny Emmy
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or topics you would like us to discuss in future blogs please do send an email to nannyemmyquestions@gmail.com
