Decoding Adolescence: The Netflix Drama Every Parent Needs To Watch

Bullying

Jamie, the young boy accused of murder, endured relentless bullying in school. He was ostracized for being "ugly" and labeled an "incel" (short for "involuntary celibate"). The term "incel" often refers to individuals, predominantly men, who harbor feelings of resentment and frustration toward women due to their inability to form romantic or sexual relationships. While the term has gained notoriety in online communities, it is important for parents to understand how such labels can profoundly impact a young person's mental well-being.

Additionally, the victim in the story suffered public humiliation when her intimate photos were circulated among her peers. This highlights the devastating consequences of bullying and the misuse of digital media.

• Encourage open communication
• Document incidents
• Involve school authorities
• Seek professional help if needed

Resources: Guide On Addressing Bullying In Hong Kong: A Practical Guide For Parents

Mental Health Stigma

Jamie’s behavior raises questions about the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in young males. Despite his evident struggles, there was little effort by those around him—parents, teachers, or peers—to address his mental well-being until it was too late. This reflects a broader societal tendency to dismiss or overlook mental health issues in adolescents, especially boys, due to stereotypes about strength and emotional resilience.

Why It Matters: Addressing mental health early can prevent crises later. Normalizing therapy and creating safe spaces for children to express vulnerability is critical.

Resources: Child Psychologists, Therapists and Counsellors in Hong Kong

Toxic Masculinity

Jamie’s relationship with his father, while seemingly positive, was fraught with unspoken pressures. Jamie craved his father’s approval, particularly when it came to traditional "male" activities like sports. Feeling inadequate due to his lack of skill in football, Jamie internalized a sense of failure. This struggle reflects how rigid gender norms and expectations can harm a child’s self-esteem.

• Encourage emotional expression
• Promote diverse interests
• Challenge gender stereotypes
• Model healthy masculinity

Consensual And Sexual Relationships Among Minors

By the age of 13, Jamie had already experienced some level of sexual activity, including touching genitals with a peer. This raises questions about the early onset of sexual behavior among minors and how parents can guide their children in understanding consent, boundaries, and the emotional implications of such relationships.

• Provide age-appropriate sex education
• Discuss consent and boundaries
• Encourage open dialogue about relationships
• Teach digital safety and privacy

Resources: How To Talk To Kids About Sex

Emotional Management

Jamie’s interviews with his clinical psychologist, Briony, revealed a pattern of emotional instability and violent outbursts. He also briefly mentioned his father’s struggles with anger, suggesting a generational cycle of emotional mismanagement.

• Practice mindfulness techniques
• Encourage healthy coping mechanisms
• Seek professional help if needed
• Model emotional intelligence

Resources: Strategies For Fostering Emotional Intelligence In Kids In Hong Kong

Exposure To Pornography

Jamie admitted to watching pornography, a topic many parents find difficult to address. Early exposure to explicit content can distort a child’s understanding of intimacy, relationships, and respect. Jamie’s exposure to pornography underscores the need for parental oversight of online activities.

• Use parental controls and content filters
• Discuss healthy relationships and sexuality
• Educate about the potential harms of pornography
• Maintain open communication about online experiences

The Role Of Schools

When questioned, Jamie’s teachers admitted they didn’t know much about him, citing the overwhelming number of students under their care. This underscores the importance of schools taking an active role in understanding and supporting their students on an individual level.

• Advocate for smaller class sizes
• Encourage regular parent-teacher communication
• Support school counseling programs
• Promote peer support initiatives
• Show up for your child and advocate for them

The Use Of Social Media

One of the more chilling elements of the show is how social media plays a role in shaping interactions among Gen Z and Alpha. Emojis, for example, often carry meanings that differ wildly from what parents might assume. Understanding these nuances is vital for staying in touch with your child’s digital world. Additionally, we need to implement parental controls that are tailored to a child’s age. These controls could help filter content, monitor interactions, and provide parents with tools to better understand and guide their child’s online behavior. Such measures are critical for ensuring a safer and more informed digital experience. Instagram for example has launched Teen Accounts.

Commonly used Emojis:

• 🥺 = A pleading or emotional expression, often used to manipulate or guilt-trip others.
• 🔥 = Something "cool" or attractive.
• 💀 = "I'm dead," used to express laughter or being overwhelmed.
• 🙃 = Indicates sarcasm, irony, or passive-aggressiveness. It's often used to say something "playfully" while masking true feelings.
• 😈 = Used to imply mischievousness, rebellion, or flirtation. It can also carry sinister undertones, depending on the context.
• 👀 = Suggests curiosity, attention, or gossip. Commonly used to indicate something is being observed or to draw attention to something interesting or scandalous.
• 🍆 & 🍑 = These emojis are often used to represent male and female anatomy, respectively, in a sexualized context.
• 🚩= Represents a warning or a sign that something is problematic or concerning.
• 😬 = Used to express awkwardness, discomfort, or unease.
• 😅 = Represents nervousness or relief, often used to downplay an awkward or tense situation.
• 🐒 = Typically represents goofiness, shyness, or embarrassment.
• 👻 = Refers to ghosting someone (suddenly cutting off communication) or being playful.
• 🌚 = Represents sarcasm, flirtation, or a sly, "I know something you don’t" vibe.
• 🧍‍♂️= Represents feeling awkward or out of place, often used humorously to show “I don’t know what to do.”