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Beyond Adolescence: the dangerous misinterpretations of Netflix’s most controversial drama
The series unveils uncomfortable truths about youth alienation and online radicalisation — but the real crisis lies in austerity and the absence of class consciousness in addressing young people’s disillusionment, says teacher ROBERT POOLE
ELITE ENDORSEMENT: Keir Starmer hosts Adolescence writer Jack Thorne (right) at 10 Downing Street, for a ‘safety meeting’ inspired by the fictional TV series

LIKE most of the country, I have been enthralled by the Netflix limited series Adolescence. It is a great piece of drama, with fantastic acting — especially from some of the younger cast — and Stephen Graham shows that he is one of the finest working-class actors of our time. The claustrophobic shooting style — one single continuous, real-time shot per episode — is fascinating to watch and makes for an intense viewing experience.

It also leaves us constantly wanting to know more about what is happening off-screen and leaves us with more questions than answers by the end of the series.

But beneath the artistic excellence lies a dangerous narrative that’s been seized upon by those with political agendas, and it’s crucial we understand what’s really happening with our young people before we draw the wrong conclusions.

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