Shahid Online – Teen Writer Jack Thorne, the creator of the Netflix drama Adolescence, has sparked a debate about children’s access to social media. Thorne believes that banning kids from social platforms could protect them from exposure to toxic ideologies. His four-part series, which quickly became Netflix’s most-watched show, follows the story of Jamie, a 13-year-old boy accused of murder. The drama explores complex issues such as bullying, incel culture, and the role of social media in shaping young minds.
Teen Writer Thorne argues that social media often exposes vulnerable children to dangerous ideas, particularly harmful messages about masculinity. He suggests that governments should take stronger legislative action, including limiting phone use in schools and restricting children’s access to social media altogether. According to him, young boys who feel isolated are especially at risk, as they may seek validation in damaging online communities.
Beyond Thorne’s call for restrictions, experts and public figures have also expressed concerns about the negative impact of online spaces on young people. Former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate recently addressed this issue, warning that many young men turn to the internet in search of guidance, only to be influenced by harmful figures. He noted that the lack of real-world mentors leaves a void that is increasingly filled by influencers who do not have their audience’s best interests at heart.
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Meanwhile, researchers and youth organizations stress the importance of intervention. Dr. Nathan Eisenstadt of the University of Bristol explains that serious crimes like sexual violence do not happen in isolation they are often preceded by smaller, problematic behaviors that go unchecked. Programs that teach young people how to challenge harmful attitudes could be key in preventing future issues.
While the Teen Writer strongly advocates for banning social media for children, others suggest a more balanced approach. Martin Bisp, CEO of Empire Fighting Chance. Highlights that many young people turn to the internet as a way to express themselves. Particularly when real-world support systems are lacking. The decline in youth services has left many kids searching for community online, sometimes leading them to unhealthy spaces.
Bisp believes that mentoring programs must play a stronger role in guiding young people. Rather than simply banning social media, he suggests equipping kids with the skills to critically analyze the content they consume. Challenging harmful ideas in real-time, rather than ignoring them, may be a more effective strategy for protecting the next generation.
As the debate continues, Thorne’s Adolescence serves as a powerful reminder of the real-world consequences of online influences. Whether through regulation, education, or a mix of both. The challenge remains: how can society create a safer digital environment for young minds?
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