Learning from Netflix Drama Adolescence

Adolescence is a new Netflix drama that really hits home when it comes to parenting in the modern age. The story follows a family grappling with the shocking reality that their 13-year-old son is on trial for a violent crime. As a parenting expert and a mom myself, I can say that what makes this show so uncomfortable to watch isn’t the fear of our own kids turning into criminals. The real issue is the struggle of raising children when they seem to “need” phones and computers from a young age.

The show highlights the powerlessness that many parents feel when it comes to monitoring what their kids are exposed to online. It’s a reminder that we, as adults, need to be the biggest influence in our children’s lives. We can’t let toxic influences like online content shape our kids’ identities. Instead, we need to stay connected, have conversations, and guide our children in understanding the world around them.

Even though it’s hard to watch, Adolescence serves as a wake-up call for parents. We need to take more proactive steps to guide our children and help them navigate the complex online world. It’s not about blaming ourselves for what our kids see and hear, but about taking responsibility as parents to be the guiding voice in our children’s lives.