Adrian Barich: Adolescence is a shocking glimpse into the world of today’s teens and a must-watch for parents

Until recently I had thought that for your average, run-of-the-mill garden-variety dad, I was pretty in touch with my kids.

Sure, like a lot of parents there was a generation gap between myself and my teenagers; like when I sent a LOL text to someone grieving only to find out later that LOL means “laugh out loud” and not “lots of love”.

You think you’re up with it all, until it’s proven you’re not, I guess.

As they say, I am not young enough to know everything and as it turns out, despite working hard to understand the modern world, it turns out I am, in fact, out of touch.

It’s not often I get stopped in my tracks by a TV show but that happened this week.

The Netflix series Adolescence quickly gave me a much-needed look into the emotional and social lives of today’s teens. I didn’t even know how much I didn’t know.

Everyone I know is talking about the four-part series and are just as shocked as I am.

If you’re a parent or grandparent, watching it will help you connect with the issues your kids are facing, making you less of the “I just don’t get you” type and more of the “I’ve got your back” kind of adult.

Trust me, parents and grandparents will gain a valuable insight into the hidden pressures teens face in the digital world.

Not since the the symbolism of Scarlett Johansson’s shoes in Jojo Rabbit have I been so affected.

The show is not just for teens — it’s for the grown-ups who need a crash course in how to survive the teenage years with a little more empathy and maybe even some humour.

The best way that I can explain what’s happening to our kids is that it’s like their self-esteem is being held hostage by their wi-fi signal.

And as a parent or grandparent, seeing this portrayed onscreen brilliantly illustrates how the constant pressure to look perfect and be “liked” (literally, by thousands) is a serious burden for teens. It helps you understand why your teen seems to have a meltdown over a bad selfie. It’s not just “teenage angst” — it’s the weight of a thousand digital comparisons.

Watching the show may even give you some cred with your teen when you tell them, “Yeah, I get it. I saw it on Adolescence.” You’ll probably get a nod of approval, or at least a reluctant, “nice one, boomer”.

Adolescence is a warning for us all.

And how’s this; even the humble emoji has a more sinister role to play.

Unlike in my day (roll my eyes emoji inserted here, please) this series shows us that the danger is already lurking inside our homes. It’s like that famous movie line: “the call is coming from inside the house”.

This modern danger doesn’t knock on the door or even sneak in, like in the old days. It’s already inside, hiding in kids’ phones, in their group chat, in the bloody algorithm.

Yes, there’s no front door when it comes to the internet. I now realise that I have been sitting at the kitchen bench making toast for my daughter and all manner of unhealthy contacts have been going on right in front of my eyes.

It’s happening in plain sight and we just don’t know it — until now.

Don’t wait for some sign that something’s amiss; start the conversation now. Ask questions. Get curious. Stay close, as they say.

Our kids are speaking a new language and I kid you not, even emojis aren’t safe.

In the second episode of Adolescence, Amari Bacchus’ character, Adam, (who is an amazing young actor) breaks down the meaning of emojis, telling his dad: “The red pill is like, ‘I see the truth’. It’s a call to action by the manosphere”.

Now, the manosphere is website, blogs and online forums promoting a form of masculinity involving misogyny and opposition to feminism.

Emojis, I now see, are the secret to understanding the negative influences that lurk on the net and how your teen’s brain works, without them saying a word.

I know this all sounds a bit dramatic but trust me, this is what is going on right now, right here in little old Perth.

And here’s the truth: mental health is important, and if we’re being honest, it’s one of the biggest challenges facing today’s teens. Adolescence doesn’t sugarcoat it. From battling anxiety to dealing with depression, the characters experience the kind of emotional turbulence that can make a teen’s world feel like an emotional roller-coaster, only without the seatbelt.

For adults who grew up in an era when “feeling down” was just “part of growing up,” this series offers a much-needed reality check.

It gently but powerfully reminds you that, no, your teen isn’t just being dramatic when they say they’re struggling — they may actually need help.

The show offers a guidebook for how to better support your kids’ emotional needs without being the kind of parent who says, “just get over it, walk it off like I did”. (I used to resemble that comment).

You’ll learn to spot the signs of distress and maybe start a conversation with your teen that doesn’t involve you “accidentally” bringing up their wi-fi usage again.

By the end of the series, you’ll probably find yourself thinking, “OK, maybe I do understand what’s going on in their head. And I can stop using the phrase ‘back in my day’.”

The series gives viewers an unflinching look at the inner workings of teenage life, from the excitement of first love to the loneliness of feeling misunderstood.

The show tackles real issues that teens grapple with today, such as body image, anxiety, bullying and the overwhelming pressure to succeed.

Unlike previous generations, teenagers today are constantly connected to a world of digital validation. In the series, we see how social media can amplify feelings of inadequacy, isolation and anxiety. Whether it’s the anxiety of waiting for a post to get likes, the pressure to maintain a perfect online persona, or the toxic comparison that comes from scrolling through seemingly flawless Instagram profiles, the series brings to light the real dangers of living in a hyper-connected world.

We may not truly understand the intensity of social media’s grip on teens and witnessing these struggles can foster deeper empathy and understanding.

We adults should then be able to better navigate conversations about screen time and online behaviour, and set healthy boundaries for our children or grandchildren.

Ultimately, Adolescence is a bridge we didn’t know we needed.