The Children’s Society is warning that issues highlighted in Netflix's new drama Adolescence are not just fictional but reflect troubling real-world trends.
The series is the fictional story of a 13-year-old boy who is accused of stabbing a girl. It explores the factors and culture that could have turned him into a killer.
And it’s sparked a national conversation about the serious mental and emotional health challenges facing today's teenagers.
Mark Russell who is Chief Executive of The Children’s Society said: "For too long, the struggles of teenagers in crisis have been overlooked.
"We work directly with young people every day and the challenges they face – academic stress, the pressures from social media, appearance worries, poverty at home – are driving children’s wellbeing to record lows. We must change the way we support young people. Every adult in a young person's life has a role to play; to listen and support them, and to offer them the help they need.”
The Children's Society was founded by a Christian Sunday school teacher, Edward Rudolf in 1881 and it's vision is based on Gospel values.
In 2024 the charity's Good Childhood Report found that 15 year olds in the UK have the lowest average life satisfaction in Europe and that one in ten children between the ages of 10 and 17 report low overall wellbeing. It found that nearly a third (30 per cent) of 15 year old UK girls report low life satisfaction.
The charity is calling for early mental health support in every school and community to ensure young people have access to help before reaching crisis point. It also wants investment in youth hubs and spaces where teenagers can build connections and find trusted support. And it wants reforms which will reduce bullying and academic pressure in schools.
Mark Russell added: “We need to create a culture where asking for help is seen as a strength. Every teenager should have someone to talk to and somewhere to turn, whether it’s a counsellor at school, at a youth hub or safe space in their community. The Adolescence series is prompting tough conversations – now we need action to match.
“If we listen to young people, support them and act together to improve their world, we can be there for young people before they reach breaking point”.