Wow! Netflix’s Adolescence is so impactful it might actually change laws in the UK

Netflix’s Adolescence is not only entertaining but also conveys a strikingly important message about violence against women, the rise of incel culture, and how disenfranchised young men are finding community in all the wrong places.

Starring Stephen Graham as concerned father Eddie Miller, Adolescence dives head first into how young boys in particular are radicalised by online content. Jamie, played by the ridiculously talented Owen Cooper, is arrested for murdering his classmate Katie because of a number of factors including “lack of self-esteem, perceived bullying at school, and access to online incel propaganda.”

There are already calls for Owen and Stephen to win awards, but Netflix’s newest limited series could have an even greater effect by changing UK law.

Adolescence writer Jack Thorne is calling for the government to change laws

Part of the show’s success was undoubtedly the genius of Stephen Graham, hence his MANY standout roles, but it also managed to tap into some very real fears and worries of the British public. For that reason, some online have compared it to ITV’s Mr Bates vs The Post Office which actually changed UK laws.

Speaking to The i Paper, co-writer Jack Thorne suggested that the Labour government implement plans to ban social media for teenagers under the age of 16. Australia announced similar plans in November.

“It puts a real responsibility on the social media companies to protect those under 16 from the worst material. I don’t see why we aren’t doing the same here,” he said. “We can see the evidence that we’ve got a real problem and it’s only going to get worse.”

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He took it one step further in conversation with The Guardian, suggesting they ban smartphones entirely: “If it was my decision, I would be talking of smartphones like cigarettes and issuing an outright ban on all use by under-16s, but if that isn’t possible the digital age of consent is a fine alternative.”

They want the series to be shown in parliament and schools

According to the BBC, Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham shared their intentions of showcasing Adolescence in both UK schools and parliament.

“I want it to be shown in schools, I want it to be shown in Parliament. It’s crucial because this is only going to get worse,” Jack said. “It’s something that people need to be talking about, hopefully, that’s what drama can do.”

Besides banning social media and smartphones it’s not immediately clear which laws Netflix’s Adolescence could be involved in changing, but there are definitely enough avenues to explore considering how rampant misogynistic content is in 2025.

Some other shows and films that have affected the government include Cathy Come Home, The War Game, and last year’s Mr Bates vs the Post Office.

Adolescence is on Netflix now. For all the latest Netflix news, drops, quizzes and memes like The Holy Church of Netflix on Facebook. 

Featured image credit: Netflix