Adolescence are we razing a lost generation?

he Netflix series Adolescence is a confronting yet necessary conversation starter about some of the most pressing issues of our time. It highlights the dark side of internet culture, toxic masculinity, and the breakdown of family and community structures. Watching it, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own experiences with online interactions, the dangers of parasocial relationships, and how unwise choices on the internet can have lasting consequences.

The Dark Side of Internet Culture

We often discuss the benefits of the internet, but Adolescence forces us to confront its dangers. The series exposes how young men, influenced by figures like Andrew Tate and the ‘red pill’ movement, can develop deeply problematic attitudes toward women. One of the central characters doesn’t even realize he has done anything wrong—he genuinely believes his behavior is acceptable.

Meanwhile, his father is largely absent, failing to guide his son through the complexities of growing up in a hyper-connected world. The series shines a light on how unfettered access to the internet without parental supervision can shape a child’s worldview in harmful ways.

I have to admit that I’ve also been part of the problem at times. As a content creator, I’ve been unaware of internet dangers myself. I’ve made mistakes—posting unwise blog posts, mishandling emails, and failing to fully grasp the power and permanence of online actions. I was lucky that some of these missteps didn’t have worse consequences, but they have still impacted my relationships. Accountability is an essential part of being a fully functioning adult, and admitting mistakes is necessary for personal growth and for rebuilding the village of community support we have lost.

Parenting in the Digital Age

A recurring theme in Adolescence is the failure of modern parenting. Many parents are unaware of what their children are doing online, using screens as babysitters. We live in a time where discipline is often mistaken for abuse, and children are taught about their rights without a corresponding understanding of responsibilities.

At the same time, parents themselves are addicted to their devices. How can we expect children to develop healthy relationships with technology when the adults in their lives struggle to set boundaries? Figures like Dr. Jordan Peterson have been warning about this for years, but Adolescence serves as an emergency alarm—it’s no longer a theoretical discussion. The degradation of family structures, loss of community, and the influence of online culture are leading to a generation growing up too fast, with few safeguards in place.

There is an African proverb that says, "A child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth." We have lost the village—the messy but essential system of communal accountability and support that once existed. We need to bring it back.

The internet can be a wonderful place for connection when child safety is considered. Parents telling small 'white lies'—like gaming lobbies shutting down at bedtime—can help create healthy boundaries. Online communities can provide a sense of belonging, but without safeguards, they can also lead young people down dangerous paths. Today’s teenagers even mock excessive internet use with phrases like “chronically online” and “go touch grass.” They recognize the problem, but many still struggle to step away from screens.

The Importance of Role Models and Community

Society has a responsibility to provide young people—especially young men—with positive influences. The narrative around masculinity has become deeply confused. We must teach boys to aim for something meaningful, to protect rather than harm, and to take responsibility for their actions. Dr. Jordan Peterson often says, "Aim at something." That could be a job, training, or simply getting one’s life in order. His advice about cleaning your room isn’t just about tidiness—it’s about taking responsibility for your own life before criticizing the world around you.

On a lighter note, Peterson has faced intense protests at university events. When asked why they eventually stopped, he quipped that they scheduled his lectures at 8 AM—too early for the activists to wake up. While humorous, it underscores a truth: meaningful change requires discipline, effort, and responsibility.

While controversial, figures like Jordan Shanks have also played a role in getting young people engaged with Australian politics. Love him or hate him, he has shown that political awareness can be accessible, engaging, and even entertaining. The reality is that we all have a role to play in shaping the world around us. Books like Our Winter of Disconnect explore how technology is affecting us in ways we never anticipated, and research on neurodiversity suggests that the internet is quite literally changing our brains.

Some platforms are designed to be addictive, making it even harder to unplug. Solutions like offline time alarms and tools like Opal bags (which lock devices away for a set period) are part of the strategy for reclaiming control over our attention and mental well-being.

Additionally, there are positive role models online who offer constructive guidance. Figures like Simon Whistler, known for his informative yet engaging content, and The Joke of the Blazement, who built his business from scratch, show young men the value of hard work and persistence. His writing team, including Blind Dave and Danny Slater, also exemplifies determination and creativity. Beyond the online world, organizations like Men’s Shed provide mentorship programs where all mentors are vetted, offering young men a safe space to learn, connect, and develop practical skills.

Where to Turn for Help

For those struggling with these issues—whether as parents, educators, or young people themselves—there are resources available. In Australia, organizations like Dolly’s Dream work to combat cyberbullying, while Collective Shout focuses on consent education. Red Frogs provides support at cultural events, helping young people stay safe in environments where alcohol and peer pressure are prevalent.

Additionally, if you or someone you know is struggling with the emotional toll of these issues, support is available:

Lifeline Australia (13 11 14) – 24/7 crisis support

Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) – Mental health support and resources

eSafety Commissioner – Reporting online abuse and harassment

Local Police – If a situation requires intervention

Guiding and Scouting Programs – Providing positive mentorship and role models

Breaking the Cycle

One of the most powerful realizations in Adolescence is the impact of guilt and accountability. The protagonist slowly begins to recognize the weight of his actions, and his father—though angry—must also confront his own failures. This isn’t just about punishing bad behavior; it’s about breaking harmful cycles.

Breaking cycles doesn’t mean casting spells—it means breaking beliefs, patterns of behavior, and striving to do better for the next generation. It means acknowledging that teenagers are not fully developed and need guidance, boundaries, and real-world consequences for their actions.

Moving Forward

There are no easy solutions, but the fact that we are talking about these issues is a step in the right direction. We need to take child safeguarding seriously, monitor the influences in their lives, and ensure they are receiving a balanced perspective—one that includes media literacy and critical thinking skills.

Young people crave attention and love. If they don’t receive it in a positive way, they will seek it in any way they can. As a society, we need to do better.

I may not be a parent, but I see the dangers and the moral crisis we face. We need to acknowledge what is happening before it’s too late. Let’s talk about it, support each other, and create a future where young people can grow up in a world that values accountability, community, and real connection.

The Netflix series Adolescence is a confronting yet necessary conversation starter about some of the most pressing issues of our time. It highlights the dark side of internet culture, toxic masculinity, and the breakdown of family and community structures. Watching it, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own experiences with online interactions, the dangers of parasocial relationships, and how unwise choices on the internet can have lasting consequences.

The Dark Side of Internet Culture

We often discuss the benefits of the internet, but Adolescence forces us to confront its dangers. The series exposes how young men, influenced by figures like Andrew Tate and the ‘red pill’ movement, can develop deeply problematic attitudes toward women. One of the central characters doesn’t even realize he has done anything wrong—he genuinely believes his behavior is acceptable.

Meanwhile, his father is largely absent, failing to guide his son through the complexities of growing up in a hyper-connected world. The series shines a light on how unfettered access to the internet without parental supervision can shape a child’s worldview in harmful ways.

I have to admit that I’ve also been part of the problem at times. As a content creator, I’ve been unaware of internet dangers myself. I’ve made mistakes—posting unwise blog posts, mishandling emails, and failing to fully grasp the power and permanence of online actions. I was lucky that some of these missteps didn’t have worse consequences, but they have still impacted my relationships. Accountability is an essential part of being a fully functioning adult, and admitting mistakes is necessary for personal growth and for rebuilding the village of community support we have lost.

Parenting in the Digital Age

A recurring theme in Adolescence is the failure of modern parenting. Many parents are unaware of what their children are doing online, using screens as babysitters. We live in a time where discipline is often mistaken for abuse, and children are taught about their rights without a corresponding understanding of responsibilities.

At the same time, parents themselves are addicted to their devices. How can we expect children to develop healthy relationships with technology when the adults in their lives struggle to set boundaries? Figures like Dr. Jordan Peterson have been warning about this for years, but Adolescence serves as an emergency alarm—it’s no longer a theoretical discussion. The degradation of family structures, loss of community, and the influence of online culture are leading to a generation growing up too fast, with few safeguards in place.

There is an African proverb that says, "A child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth." We have lost the village—the messy but essential system of communal accountability and support that once existed. We need to bring it back.

The internet can be a wonderful place for connection when child safety is considered. Parents telling small 'white lies'—like gaming lobbies shutting down at bedtime—can help create healthy boundaries. Online communities can provide a sense of belonging, but without safeguards, they can also lead young people down dangerous paths. Today’s teenagers even mock excessive internet use with phrases like “chronically online” and “go touch grass.” They recognize the problem, but many still struggle to step away from screens.

The Importance of Role Models and Community

Society has a responsibility to provide young people—especially young men—with positive influences. The narrative around masculinity has become deeply confused. We must teach boys to aim for something meaningful, to protect rather than harm, and to take responsibility for their actions. Dr. Jordan Peterson often says, "Aim at something." That could be a job, training, or simply getting one’s life in order. His advice about cleaning your room isn’t just about tidiness—it’s about taking responsibility for your own life before criticizing the world around you.

On a lighter note, Peterson has faced intense protests at university events. When asked why they eventually stopped, he quipped that they scheduled his lectures at 8 AM—too early for the activists to wake up. While humorous, it underscores a truth: meaningful change requires discipline, effort, and responsibility.

While controversial, figures like Jordan Shanks have also played a role in getting young people engaged with Australian politics. Love him or hate him, he has shown that political awareness can be accessible, engaging, and even entertaining. The reality is that we all have a role to play in shaping the world around us. Books like Our Winter of Disconnect explore how technology is affecting us in ways we never anticipated, and research on neurodiversity suggests that the internet is quite literally changing our brains.

Some platforms are designed to be addictive, making it even harder to unplug. Solutions like offline time alarms and tools like Opal bags (which lock devices away for a set period) are part of the strategy for reclaiming control over our attention and mental well-being.

Additionally, there are positive role models online who offer constructive guidance. Figures like Simon Whistler, known for his informative yet engaging content, and The Joke of the Blazement, who built his business from scratch, show young men the value of hard work and persistence. His writing team, including Blind Dave and Danny Slater, also exemplifies determination and creativity. Beyond the online world, organizations like Men’s Shed provide mentorship programs where all mentors are vetted, offering young men a safe space to learn, connect, and develop practical skills.

Where to Turn for Help

For those struggling with these issues—whether as parents, educators, or young people themselves—there are resources available. In Australia, organizations like Dolly’s Dream work to combat cyberbullying, while Collective Shout focuses on consent education. Red Frogs provides support at cultural events, helping young people stay safe in environments where alcohol and peer pressure are prevalent.

Additionally, if you or someone you know is struggling with the emotional toll of these issues, support is available:

• Lifeline Australia (13 11 14) – 24/7 crisis support

• Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) – Mental health support and resources

• eSafety Commissioner – Reporting online abuse and harassment

• Local Police – If a situation requires intervention

• Guiding and Scouting Programs – Providing positive mentorship and role models

Breaking the Cycle

One of the most powerful realizations in Adolescence is the impact of guilt and accountability. The protagonist slowly begins to recognize the weight of his actions, and his father—though angry—must also confront his own failures. This isn’t just about punishing bad behavior; it’s about breaking harmful cycles.

Breaking cycles doesn’t mean casting spells—it means breaking beliefs, patterns of behavior, and striving to do better for the next generation. It means acknowledging that teenagers are not fully developed and need guidance, boundaries, and real-world consequences for their actions.

Moving Forward

There are no easy solutions, but the fact that we are talking about these issues is a step in the right direction. We need to take child safeguarding seriously, monitor the influences in their lives, and ensure they are receiving a balanced perspective—one that includes media literacy and critical thinking skills.

Young people crave attention and love. If they don’t receive it in a positive way, they will seek it in any way they can. As a society, we need to do better.

I may not be a parent, but I see the dangers and the moral crisis we face. We need to acknowledge what is happening before it’s too late. Let’s talk about it, support each other, and create a future where young people can grow up in a world that values accountability, community, and real connection.