In a groundbreaking exploration of the hit Netflix series Adolescence, media analysts discover a glaring oversight in the ongoing debate—teenage boys’ opinions on the show are conspicuously absent. To fill this void, a group of students from Xaverian College in Manchester were invited to share their insights on the drama, which centers on a teenage murder intensified by social media and toxic masculinity.
The scenario in Adolescence, where an intimate picture of a girl circulates among students, resonates deeply with these young men. Archie, aged 18, articulates a common sentiment: “There’s a culture where showing an intimate picture of a girl to your mates and sending it around feels encouraged because it’s so normal and expected.”
In the show, Jamie, a 13-year-old protagonist, harbors alarming views about girls, seemingly influenced by online content and pornography. René, also 18, reflects on his early exposure to pornography at age 10 or 11, emphasizing its capacity to warp boys’ perceptions of sexual encounters and contribute to resentment towards women.
The students critique the concept of masculinity, largely viewing it through the lens of toxic masculinity. When asked about their positive views on being boys, the responses are subdued, with René pointing out the negative stereotyping and collective guilt for the sex’s negative stigma.
Adolescence is validated by the sixth-formers for its depiction of teenagers’ susceptibility to bad influences online, such as figures like Andrew Tate. Harrison, 18, recalls Tate’s ubiquitous presence across social media platforms a few years ago and the difficulty of avoiding him. Niall expresses concern that focusing solely on toxic masculinity could drive more impressionable boys towards influencers like Tate, who appeal to those feeling isolated and without a voice. The discourse, according to Niall, could inadvertently bolster negative influences rather than promote positive masculinity.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/mar/31/boys-feel-increasingly-isolated-teenagers-on-netflix-adolescence
