‘Adolescence’ more than just a Netflix binge watch – Media portrayals and narratives

Television serves as a significant source of sexual education for teenagers and young adults, making it essential to examine how sexual behaviour and reproductive health are represented in popular cinema. Looking at the main key themes, including youth pregnancy and parenting, guidance regarding sexual behaviour, sex and sexuality, body image and identity, sexual violence and harassment, gender identity and sexual orientation, and reproductive health.

These themes were categorized based on their presentation, ranging from visual cues and brief mentions to dialogue, minor and major storylines, and multi-episode arcs in the study by Kinsler and colleagues. Findings indicate a lack of educational narratives addressing the risks and consequences of sexual behaviour, with few portrayals promoting low-risk sexual practices.

Instead, themes of sexual violence, casual sex among adults, absence of contraception use, and a general lack of consequences for risky behaviour were prevalent. However, in contrast to previous research, the study identified an emerging trend of normalizing diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. Given the role of media in shaping young audiences’ perceptions and behaviours, these findings highlight the need for television narratives that incorporate educational messages about sexual health and responsibility (Kinsler et. al., 2018).

Read More: The Importance of Sex Education over Pornography 

The Impact of Media Portrayals on Teen Behavior

A recent study examines how various types of sexual content are referenced across all subtitles of all episodes (up to the end of 2019) in eight Netflix original series targeted at adolescents. Overall, references to sexual interest were the most frequent, while mentions of sexual precaution were the least common. When analyzed individually, 13 Reasons Why and Unbelievable contained a higher number of references to sex crimes, particularly rape, whereas Sex Education included more instances of expert sex advice and discussions on sexual precaution compared to the other series.

These findings indicate that sexual messaging in these shows varies across series, highlighting the need for media literacy programs that consider the specific nature of these portrayals. Tailored interventions may be necessary to address the potential influence of such content on adolescents’ attitudes and behaviours regarding sex (APA,2023).

Read More: How to Introduce Sex Education in Schools?

The Digital Era and Sexual Violence Awareness

The rise of new media has significantly influenced discussions on women’s issues, shaping public discourse and mobilizing widespread support. Online platforms have emerged as powerful tools for advocacy, enabling individuals to voice their concerns and demand justice. A striking example is the 2012 Delhi gang rape case, which received extensive media coverage.

However, it was the online response that truly transformed public perception, particularly among adolescents, and sparked a global movement against rape and sexual assault. The incident demonstrated that people are no longer willing to accept such crimes as mere news stories; instead, they actively engage in discourse and demand action. 

Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and blogs have become instrumental in amplifying voices against sexual violence. Within ten days of the incident, Facebook groups such as Gang Raped in Delhi and Delhi for Women’s Safety gained thousands of followers, reflecting the growing public outrage. Other groups, including Another Girl Gang Raped in Delhi – Can We Stop It? and Delhi Gang Rape – Protest, served as platforms for justice, empowering individuals to speak out regardless of their location.

These digital spaces have facilitated activism and awareness, proving that media is not only a source of information but also a catalyst for societal change. While sexual violence is not a new phenomenon, the increased sensitivity and extensive media coverage of such issues have brought them to the forefront of public consciousness. Online public discourse has played a crucial role in holding the media accountable, ensuring that issues related to women’s safety receive the attention they deserve (Kumari, 2015). 

Read More: Importance of Sex Education

Another study tests the effects of exposure to sexual television content on emerging adults’ sexual attitudes and moral judgments. One hundred and ten college freshmen were randomly assigned to view shows that portrayed either positive or negative consequences of sexual intercourse. Results indicate that exposure to shows that portray negative consequences of sex leads to more negative attitudes toward premarital intercourse and to more negative moral judgments of characters engaged in this behaviour.

Results were observed immediately after the viewing and persisted 2 weeks later (keren and kunkel, 2008). The media often reinforces gender and ethnic stereotypes, shaping societal perceptions in subtle yet pervasive ways. This passive reinforcement has been evident in content analyses of popular media. For instance, an examination of Rolling Stone magazine, a widely read publication among adolescents, found that women and individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups were rarely featured as the primary subjects of stories. When they did appear, their portrayals were often unflattering.

Both children and adults recognize the media as a major source of information about sex and sexuality for young audiences. A wide range of programming, including daily news, reality-based shows, talk shows, and family-centered programs, frequently includes sexual content. Research analyzing various media forms, including print, television, films, music, and digital platforms, has demonstrated that adolescents are regularly exposed to both implicit and explicit sexual themes.

While there is a broad acknowledgement of the presence of sexual content in the media, the extent to which it influences adolescent attitudes, values, and behaviours remains an area requiring further exploration. Notably, few studies have directly investigated whether adolescents themselves perceive media as shaping their views on sexuality (Werner and Wilson, 2004). 

Read More: Is Your Teen Safe Online? What ‘Adolescence’ Reveals About Internet Culture

The Netflix miniseries Adolescence (2025) represents the profound impact media and online environments can have on teenage development. The show follows Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy arrested for the murder of his classmate, after enduring relentless cyberbullying, including being labelled an “incel” and mocked for his appearance. This depiction aligns with existing research on the media’s role in shaping adolescent perceptions of identity, gender roles, and sexuality.

Just as previous studies have highlighted how the passive reinforcement of stereotypes in media influences young audiences, Adolescence showcases how digital platforms and toxic online communities can deeply shape a teenager’s psyche, sometimes leading to devastating consequences. Much like the findings from content analyses of television and print media, Adolescence underscores how media, both traditional and digital, can expose adolescents to harmful narratives without offering the necessary guidance or context.

The series reflects the reality that young people often turn to media as a primary source of information about themselves and their social roles, yet these portrayals can be misleading or damaging. Similar to how studies have found that sexual content in media can shape adolescent attitudes toward relationships, Adolescence highlights how exposure to violent, misogynistic, and exclusionary online discourses can shape a young person’s self-perception and interactions with others.

Furthermore, the series reinforces concerns about the lack of parental oversight in adolescent media consumption. As prior research suggests, without parental intervention, adolescents may internalize the messages they consume, whether they pertain to gender stereotypes, sexuality, or acceptable social behaviour. In Jamie’s case, his engagement with harmful online spaces without appropriate adult guidance contributes to his downward spiral.

This aligns with the broader concern that adolescents, when left to navigate media unsupervised, may be more vulnerable to negative influences, whether through traditional television programming or modern social media platforms. A metaphorical representation of “the sandwich” given to the kid serves as a portrayal of the adolescent’s mind with a deeper-rooted understanding of how the ‘thought’ is showcased through ‘behaviour’, he mentioned that he hated pickles and hence wouldn’t be eating the sandwich she got him, whereas he ends up eating the sandwich instead of hating it.

Read More: Establishing identity during adolescence

This can be a representation of how he hated the girl but still wanted to have her, depicting the complexities of adolescent mind and interactions which are shaped in a world settled in their mind, making it difficult for them to interact. Adolescence ultimately serves as a call to action, emphasizing the need for parental involvement, media literacy, and open conversations about the psychological effects of digital culture on teenagers. The series suggests the need for stronger policies and regulation of online spaces.

Jamie’s story reflects the unchecked dangers of digital platforms where bullying, misogyny, and extremist ideologies can thrive. It also highlights the importance of legal and governmental interventions to regulate harmful online discourse and ensure accountability for digital platforms that allow such environments to grow. A significant intervention the series hints at is media literacy education. Just as research has pointed to the influence of media in shaping adolescent sexuality, gender roles, and behavioural norms, Adolescence illustrates the consequences of exposure to harmful online narratives without critical thinking skills.

Schools and communities need to implement programs that teach teenagers how to critically analyze media messages, recognize harmful online subcultures, and develop healthy digital habits. By equipping adolescents with the tools to navigate the digital landscape responsibly, society can mitigate the impact of negative media exposure. Through these interventions, Adolescence presents a compelling argument for a multifaceted approach to protecting teenagers in the digital age—emphasizing that parental guidance, education, mental health resources, and policy changes are all necessary to create a safer environment for young people navigating the complexities of adolescence.