Adolescence to be shown in secondary schools for free across the country

Netflix's Adolescence is set to be shown for free in secondary schools across the country.

The record-breaking drama became the most-watched UK title on Netflix, racking up 66.3 million views after its release two weeks ago.

Adolescence has sparked a number of talking points as the four-part programme takes a close look at incel (involuntary celibate) culture amongst young boys in schools, as well as misogyny and bullying on social media.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has now spoken with the creators of the series, charities and young people to discuss the issues raised in the show.

Co-writer Jack Thorne and producer Jo Johnson joined the group to speak about the various challenges facing children and parents today.

The meeting comes after Netflix's decision to make the drama free to all secondary schools in the UK via Into Film+ schools streaming service.

The current most-watched show on Netflix follows 13-year-old murder suspect Jamie Miller, who is played by Owen Cooper in his first ever acting role (Netflix)

The Prime Minister has backed the decision, with the hopes that the series can raise awareness of the issues, which include knife crime and online radicalisation amongst young boys.

"As a father, watching this show with my teenage son and daughter, I can tell you - it hit home hard," Starmer said.

"It’s an important initiative to encourage as many pupils as possible to watch the show."

He continued: "As I see from my own children, openly talking about changes in how they communicate, the content they’re seeing, and exploring the conversations they’re having with their peers is vital if we are to properly support them in navigating contemporary challenges, and deal with malign influences.

"This isn’t a challenge politicians can simply legislate for.

"Believe me, if I could pull a lever to solve it, I would.

"Only by listening and learning from the experiences of young people and charities can we tackle the issues this groundbreaking show raises."

For years, Starmer was the Director of Public Prosecutions and he's seen the sort of violence which can stem from such ideologies.

Co-Writer Thorne said: "We made this show to provoke a conversation. We wanted to pose the question - how do we help stop this growing crisis.

"So to have the opportunity to take this into schools is beyond our expectations.

"We hope it'll lead to teachers talking to the students, but what we really hope is it'll lead to students talking amongst themselves."

As Anne Mensah, VP UK Content, said the show has sparked 'important conversations', such as what sort of 'pressures young people and parents face in today’s society'.

"We’re incredibly proud of the impact the show has made, and are delighted to be able to offer it free of charge to all schools across the UK through Into Film+," she added.

Co-writer Stephen Graham features as the boy's father Eddie Miller (Netflix)

"As part of this, healthy relationships charity Tender will create resources for teachers, parents and carers to help them navigate the important topics the show explores."

The Government has also raised the importance of the Online Safety Act’s illegal content duties, which target the most harmful material including extreme pornography.

From the summer, platforms will also have to ensure children have an age-appropriate experience online.

Maria Neophytou, NSPCC Director of Strategy & Knowledge, said that 'tech companies must now put the wellbeing of children first, as demanded by the Online Safety Act'.

She said: "They have a responsibility to ensure their platforms and sites are safe by design for young users: that age limits are enforced, that children’s privacy is respected, that algorithms are not targeting and bombarding them with harmful content, and that there are clear and simple ways for young users to complain about what they are experiencing online and seek support."