The Netflix series “Adolescence” isn’t just a gripping drama; it’s a mirror reflecting the stark realities of raising children and growing up in the digital age. Centered on Jamie, a seemingly ordinary teen whose descent into toxic online ideologies culminates in violence. Jamie navigates school, friendships, and rejection, much like any teen. But beneath this surface lies a digital undercurrent pulling him toward radicalization. Online forums, cloaked in anonymity, prey on his vulnerabilities, feeding him misogynistic rhetoric from the “manosphere” and incel culture. 

While this might look like fiction, it isn’t. It’s a reality mirrored in countless lives of children and young adults. A 2022 study by the Nigeria Communication Commission showed that 93% of the 11-16 year-olds and 45% of the 4-10 year-olds go online with their own mobile phones indicating a high rate of phone ownership among children in Nigeria. 

There is an old saying that says “it takes a village to raise a child”, the awkward truth is that  it also takes a whole “village” to destroy that child too. 

With the series sparking social media conversation about the online harms hiding in plain sight, this a clarion call for parents, schools and organizations to prioritize internet safety and vigilance. By dissecting series, below are actionable insights for parents, guardians, and school owners to safeguard children in an increasingly connected world

• Stay Vigilant About Online Influences

The series underscores how social media and the internet can expose children to toxic ideologies, such as those from the “manosphere” or incel culture, often without parents noticing. It’s a call to monitor what kids are consuming online; not just screen time, but the content shaping their mind about issues and worldview.

• Promote Open Communication

One of the recurring themes is the isolation that grows from silence. When kids feel unheard or misunderstood, they’re more vulnerable to harmful influences. Parents should create a safe space for honest conversations, tackling tough topics like relationships and digital pressures with patience rather than judgment.

• Model Healthy Behavior

Jamie’s story highlights the impact of societal messages about masculinity. Parents, especially fathers, need to exemplify empathy, emotional literacy, and respect in their actions. Children learn more from what they see at home than what they’re told.

• Understand Digital Language

The series reveals how teens use emojis and coded terms that adults often miss, masking bullying or distress. Learning this language isn’t just about decoding; it’s about bridging the gap between generational gaps to better understand their world.

• Don’t Assume a “Good Home” is Enough

Jamie comes from a loving, ordinary family, yet still falls prey to radicalization. This challenges the notion that a stable home alone protects kids. External influences like peers and online spaces can override even the best parenting if they are left unchecked. Peer dynamics and societal pressures amplify online influences. Parents must engage with their child’s social circle and the broader culture, helping them navigate these forces critically.

If you’re a parent, guardian, or school owner unsure about how to begin managing your child’s online safety, consider reaching out to these CivicTech organizations. 

• TechSocietal: helps to foster trust and safety online through policy engagement and advocacy, ensuring that the internet becomes a secure space for everyone, especially our most vulnerable members of society. 
• The Africa Online Safety Platform: The Africa Online Safety (AOS) Platform provides a rich repository of research, education content, and ways to seek help if an online crime has occurred.
• Safe Online: Safe Online helps to catalyse and accelerate innovative solutions making the internet and digital world a safe place for children to explore, learn and develop.
• The Ndukwe Kalu Foundation (NKF): Established by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), The Foundation’s core areas of engagement are in promoting child safety online, youth capacity building, and DNS research and development. 

While this is not an exhaustive list, these organizations have extensive experience, resources, and expertise in children online safety which can be useful for parents, schools, and organizations who are looking to improve and strengthen their knowledge and understanding.