The Netflix mini series ‘Adolescence’ is a Wake-Up Call

Netflix’s latest drama, Adolescence, is more than just a gripping watch—it’s a warning. A chilling portrayal of how a vulnerable young boy becomes ensnared in online hate, the series exposes the dark corners of digital spaces where bullying, radicalisation, and toxic ideologies thrive. The storyline might be fictional, but its message is painfully real.

As a society, we can no longer afford to be bystanders. Every parent, teacher, policymaker, and community leader must ask: Are we doing enough to protect our young people from the growing epidemic of online hate?

The Internet: A Double-Edged Sword

The digital world has revolutionised how we connect, learn, and express ourselves. But it has also become a breeding ground for harm. Bullying no longer ends at the school gates—it follows young people home, invading their bedrooms, their minds, and their self-worth.

At The Diana Award, we’ve spent years working directly with young people who have suffered the devastating effects of online abuse. We’ve seen how relentless trolling, cyberbullying, and exposure to hate-driven content can erode confidence, impact mental health, and in some tragic cases, lead to irreversible consequences.

And yet, despite growing awareness, our response is still far too reactive. We talk about these issues only after a tragedy unfolds, after another headline reminds us of the consequences of inaction. This must change. We need a bold, preventative approach to safeguard the next generation.

A Proven Solution: Empowering Young People to Lead the Change

Through The Diana Award’s Anti-Bullying Programme, we have seen first-hand that equipping young people with the right tools, confidence, and support can dismantle cultures of bullying and hate. Our approach isn’t just about reacting to incidents—it’s about building a movement of young leaders who challenge harmful behaviour before it escalates.

Three Key Actions We Must Take Now

1. Empower Young People with Leadership & Digital Resilience Skills: We train Anti-Bullying Ambassadors across schools to lead by example, challenge harmful online behaviour, and support their peers. This peer-led approach is proven to create safer, more inclusive environments. Schools and communities must prioritise digital resilience education, so young people can recognise, reject, and report online hate.
2. Hold Social Media Platforms Accountable: Tech companies must do more to safeguard young users. We need stronger policies that not only remove harmful content but actively prevent its spread. Governments and policymakers must work together to demand greater transparency and accountability from these platforms.
3. Mobilise Parents, Educators, and Policymakers: Every adult in a young person’s life has a role to play. Parents need support to have open, non-judgmental conversations about online safety. Teachers need resources to tackle digital bullying in schools. Policymakers must push for stronger online safety measures.

This is Our Moment to Act

If Adolescence leaves us with one takeaway, it’s this: the price of inaction is far too high.

As a society, we must take online hate as seriously as we do physical harm. We must work together—across homes, schools, social media platforms, and governments—to create a safer, kinder digital world.

And we must act now.

Join the Movement

• Schools: Sign up for our Anti-Bullying Ambassador Programme and empower young leaders to tackle online hate head-on. (Find out more here)
• Parents & Teachers: Equip yourselves with practical tools to support young people. (Access free resources here)
• Policymakers & Tech Companies: Work with us to drive systemic change and create a zero-tolerance approach to online hate.

Together, we can build a future where no young person falls victim to the toxicity of online hate. A future where kindness, empathy, and resilience define the digital generation.

Are you in?

‍