'Adolescence' the Netflix Series

The Netflix series that everyone is talking about, Adolescence, is simply breath-taking—beautifully written and filmed. But beyond its artistry, it highlights a massive issue we need to address: online safety and the influence of digital content. The show explores the dangers of toxic masculinity and violence against women, shedding light on a harsh reality that many face today.

What struck me the most was a comment I came across criticizing the show for portraying a white teenage boy as the villain. The comment read: “A white English boy from a small town in England as the villain?” But that’s exactly the point of the storyline—any child can be influenced online, and anyone can commit such a crime. It challenges the stereotype of what a perpetrator “should” look like and emphasizes that a person’s background—whether they come from a loving home or not—doesn’t necessarily determine their actions.

Reflecting on my own experience, I remember being around 14 or 15 when the first iPhone came out. Before that, we had to use a desktop with dial-up internet. Social media platforms like Facebook and Bebo were just emerging, but we could only check them after school. We didn't have the pressure of what children do where you are constantly connected. (Don’t get me wrong, violence against women existed then too, but not at the scale where it is accessible to be influenced by content we see today.) Fast forward to today, and the internet is a completely different world. There is endless online content available to anyone at any time. Yes, parental controls exist, but how much can they really monitor social media? Algorithms determine what content is pushed out, and the reality is, they are difficult if not impossible to control when it comes to targeting certain age groups.

What can we do?

That’s the hard question. As someone without children, I recognize that my perspective is limited. But one thing I do know is that the church can play a vital role in creating a positive influence in children’s lives. The church can foster strong role models for young men and promote values that counteract the harmful influences of the digital world.

One big thing that God has been challenging me on is what the world expects versus what He calls us to

Romans 12:2"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will."

We all have a responsibility to create a positive atmosphere for those around us. Maybe this is controversial, but I believe the phrase “The Future is Female” can be problematic. Does it mean there’s no place for men in our lives? Does it suggest that one gender is more important than the other? Everyone is important, and everyone deserves respect. Instead of dividing, we should be striving for unity, where both men and women are valued and empowered to contribute positively to the world.

I will leave you will this.

There are so many questions and movements shaping society today. But the real question is: What does God say about all of this? Where can the church influence society? How can we create a culture that reflects His truth and love? and there is hope in Jesus that God can transform people's heart and change culture. Care for the family have really good resources and one of them is called 'Left to their own devices' click below to their website.

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