Navigating the challenges of adolescence: Supporting parents considering recent media attention

Recent media attention surrounding the Netflix series Adolescence has sparked important conversations about the challenges teenagers face today. At Tute, we understand that such portrayals can raise concerns for parents and carers striving to support their children’s well-being. Our goal is to provide guidance and resources to help families navigate these complex issues and offer practical ways to safeguard and support their children.

Understanding the impact of Adolescence

Adolescence explores the life of a 13-year-old boy accused of a serious crime, highlighting the social pressures and online influences that can lead young people down troubling paths. Stephen Graham, co-writer and star of the series, has spoken about the dangers of the internet and how easily young people can be drawn into harmful content.

How parents can address these dangers: 

• Monitor online activity – Encourage open discussions about what your child is watching, reading, and engaging with online. Set up parental controls where necessary. 

• Teach critical thinking – Help your child understand how media and online content can shape opinions and behaviours. Encourage them to question what they see. 

• Provide alternative safe spaces – Encourage involvement in hobbies, sports, and social activities outside of the digital world, ensuring they have positive real-life interactions. 

• Seek support when needed – If you are concerned about your child’s behaviour or online activity, seek advice from professionals, schools, or child protection services like CEOP Education. 

The role of engaged parenting

The series highlights the importance of engaged parenting, particularly the role of fathers and parental figures in guiding young people. Caitlin Moran, writing for The Times, suggests that the crisis depicted in Adolescence is not just about teenage boys but also about the crucial role of parental support and guidance. 

What is engaged parenting? 
Engaged parenting means being actively involved in your child’s life, maintaining open communication, and setting clear expectations while providing emotional support. Examples of engaged parenting include: 

• Having regular conversations – Ask about their day, their friendships, and what they are interested in online. Make these discussions a routine, not just a one-time check-in. 

• Being present at key moments – Attend school meetings, support extracurricular activities, and be available during stressful times like exams or transitions to new schools. 

• Setting healthy boundaries – Encourage responsible behaviour online and offline, ensuring they understand family rules and the reasons behind them. 

• Encouraging positive role models – Introduce them to inspiring figures, whether through books, films, or real-life mentors, to help them see positive ways to navigate challenges. 

Engaged parenting builds trust and confidence, helping children feel secure and more likely to turn to parents for guidance when faced with tricky situations. 

Addressing digital exposure and screen time

One of the biggest concerns raised by Adolescence is the impact of digital exposure on young minds. Co-writer Jack Thorne has spoken in support of the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign, arguing that delaying children’s access to smartphones could protect them from the negative effects of early digital exposure. 

How parents/carers can manage early digital exposure: 

• Delay smartphone use when possible – Consider waiting until your child is mature enough to manage online interactions responsibly. Start with supervised screen time before allowing independent use. 

• Use parental controls and monitoring apps – Many devices allow parents to set screen limits, restrict certain websites, and monitor usage. 

• Encourage offline activities – Promote reading, outdoor play, and creative activities to balance screen time and real-world interactions. 

• Lead by example – Children learn by observing. If they see parents setting limits on screen time and prioritising face-to-face interactions, they are more likely to follow suit. 

• Educate about online safety – Teach children to recognize online risks such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and manipulation tactics, ensuring they know how to report and handle such situations.

How Tute supports families

At Tute, we are committed to helping parents navigate the challenges of raising children in a digital world. We offer guidance and resources to empower families, including: 

✔ Open communication – Encouraging honest discussions between parents and children about online influences and personal challenges. 
✔ Educational resources – Providing access to expert advice on protecting children from online risks, including support from CEOP Education. 
✔ Balanced technology use – Promoting healthy boundaries between screen time and offline activities. 
✔ Active parental involvement – Encouraging parents to take an active role in their child’s education, social life, and digital interactions. 

At Tute, we understand that parenting in the digital age comes with new and evolving challenges. The concerns raised in Adolescence are real, but they are not insurmountable. By fostering open conversations, setting thoughtful boundaries, and staying actively involved in our children’s lives, we can help them navigate these complexities with confidence. 

While we cannot control everything they encounter, we can equip them with the tools to make safe, informed choices. Parenting has always been about guiding, protecting, and adapting to the world as it changes. Together, we can ensure that our children grow up feeling supported, heard, and prepared for whatever comes next.