UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Keir Starmer advocates for Adolescence to be shown in schools and parliament, highlighting concerns over online influence on youth violence.
Labour leader has expressed support for the campaign to screen Netflix’s Adolescence in schools and parliament, citing the need to address the rising impact of social media on youth behaviour.
What did Keir Starmer say about Adolescence and youth violence?
Labour MP Anneliese Midgley asked Keir Starmer whether he backs the creators’ call for Adolescence to be shown in parliament and schools. In response, he confirmed his endorsement of the initiative.
He told PMQs,
“At home, we are watching Adolescence. I’ve got a 16-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl, and it’s a very good drama to watch. This violence carried out by young men, influenced by what they see online, is a real problem,”
adding,
“It’s abhorrent, and we have to tackle it.”
As reported by Sky News, after Keir Starmer reaffirmed his stance on online safety, around 25 Labour MPs have organized an informal group set to convene next week to push for digital regulations.
The move could push the government towards stricter digital policies after ministers declined to back a private bill raising the social media consent age from 13 to 16.
What did Jonathan Brash say about showing Adolescence in schools and parliament?
Labour MP Jonathan Brash has joined the call for Adolescence to be shown in parliament and schools. During an interview, he described the series as “powerful and distressing,” revealing that after watching it, he felt compelled to hug his son. He believed the drama highlights the urgent need to tackle the influence of social media on youth behaviour.
Mr Brash, whose eight-year-old son has yet to use social media, suggested that selected scenes from Adolescence should be integrated into primary school education “with discretion.” He argued that early exposure to the film’s message could help children understand online dangers before they encounter them.
He pledged to engage with education officials to ensure Sir Keir Starmer’s “extremely supportive” stance translates into concrete action.
Mr Brash stated the government must “protect children from an environment that is increasingly hostile and dangerous”.
What did Keir Starmer’s spokesman say about Adolescence and online violence?
Following PMQs, a spokesperson for Sir Keir Starmer stated that Adolescence is “An incredibly powerful programme that shows the threat of young men carrying out violence from seeing things online.”
He said,
“Insidious misogyny taking root will be tackled.”
The spokesperson added the government is “alert and taking on” concerns highlighted by ex-England manager Sir Gareth Southgate. Mr Southgate recently slammed “manipulative and toxic influencers” who deceive young men into believing women oppose them.
What did Graham and co-writer Jack Thorne say about Adolescence’s impact?
Graham and co-writer Jack Thorne expressed their hope that Adolescence will spark discussion and bring change. The show, widely praised by critics, has dominated Netflix charts worldwide.
Mr Thorne condemned the recent government changes, accusing it of being ‘frightened of big tech’ over its handling of policy changes.
What do the Tories say about smartphone bans in schools?
MPs across various political parties are calling for additional measures to tackle concerns over excessive smartphone use among children, pushing for more action on smartphone usage.
The Tory Party wants stricter policies on smartphone use in schools, urging the government to enforce a mandatory ban. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott has voiced strong concerns, stating she will not allow her children to have a phone until they reach 16.
The Online Safety Act is set to be implemented this year. This aims to protect young people from illegal and harmful content. Companies failing to comply will face penalties from this summer.