'Adolescence' - where do we go from here?

Adolescence is a border between childhood and adulthood. Like all borders, it's teeming with energy and fraught with danger.

Mary Pipher

We all sank into our sofas watching Adolescence. We got immersed in the intense yet visceral picture of today’s reality for Generation Alpha and Generation Z. We asked ourselves many questions and pondered how we could do better as parents, carers, guardians — as a community.

While the new Netflix series isn’t based on one particular murder case, but rather several separate cases of knife crime involving young people, it speaks to the state of the United Kingdom and the youth within it. It also highlights the role of social media in influencing young minds — including the spread of misogynistic content and the threat of cyberspace becoming the new playground for bullying, manipulation, and violence.

We see Jamie everywhere — in the shy expression of our sibling, in the calm and innocent eyes of our teenage daughter, and in the quiet and unassuming 12-year-old neighbour we see walking out of the house with his backpack.

Today’s World of Social Media  

There is a dark side to the internet and social media that we need to take into account. Adolescence wisely depicts how today’s world looks very different from that of previous generations — and it may not be easy to decipher. In today’s world, kids hide behind screens, becoming less connected in real life and more connected to the dopamine hits of social media swipes. They immerse themselves in a never-ending deluge of web-enabled features and content. And in that very world, a new kind of predator hides — not just those with fake identities who prey on the vulnerable, but also the bully, the teammate, the neighbour.

What Can We Do

We need to teach kids to be aware of how influence and persuasion work, as this can be the first step toward setting boundaries, understanding consent, and protecting themselves from harm.

We also need to equip both boys and girls with self-esteem, and by teaching them how to develop a strong sense of self and self-worth.

One powerful, often overlooked way to help children and teens build self-esteem, teamwork, and a strong sense of self-worth is through sports and martial arts training. Beyond the physical skills, sports and specifically martial arts teach discipline, respect, and emotional control. They offer young people a safe environment to face challenges, manage setbacks, and learn how to persevere — all while surrounded by a supportive community. It’s not about promoting violence; it’s about developing confidence, learning how to set boundaries, and understanding that strength comes as much from within as it does from technique. In a world where many young people feel isolated or unsure of themselves, martial arts can offer both grounding and growth — helping them walk through life with more courage, clarity, and compassion.

                                                            We All Play a Part

Perhaps the greatest lesson Adolescence leaves us with is this: the responsibility to protect and empower our youth can no longer rest solely on schools or policies. It begins in our homes, in our communities, and within each of us. It’s in the way we choose to listen rather than dismiss. In the way we sit down with a teenager — not just to talk, but to truly hear them. In the way we model empathy, boundaries, and resilience.

We don’t need to be experts in tech, psychology, or crime prevention to make a difference. We just need to be present. Whether it’s a dinner conversation, a gentle nudge to question what they see online, or a moment of vulnerability where we share our own mistakes — every small act builds trust. Every moment of connection becomes a thread in a safety net they might one day need.

The truth is, adolescence has always been complex. But today, it’s happening in an accelerated, digital world that none of us had to grow up in. That’s why our role isn’t to judge or control, but to guide — with curiosity, with care, and yes, with courage. Because the answers to “Where do we go from here?” aren’t found in fear or blame — they’re found in community, in education, in open conversations, and in reclaiming the lost art of mentorship.

Let’s choose to show up. For Jamie. For the quiet 12-year-old next door. For the generations to come. Because adolescence shouldn’t be a battleground — it should be a bridge. One we help them cross, safely and seen.

If your daughter, son, a young member of your family or community needs a lesson in team work and building resiliency, consider signing them up to a martial arts school, or self-defence training.