Netflix series AdolescenceToxic masculinity and digital codes: What parents and educational professionals need to know

In the first part of this four-part drama, 13-year-old Jamie is arrested on suspicion of the murder of his classmate. As the series progresses, the question is less about whether he is guilty and more about his motive, which is beyond the comprehension of the police, his parents and his teachers. The drama addresses complex social problems that are also dealt with digitally. It subtly addresses misogyny and toxic online communities, unnoticed radicalization, emoji codes, as well as cyberbullying and digital violence among classmates. The Netflix series Adolescence impressively illustrates how digital spaces influence the everyday lives and identities of young people. Online spaces do not exist separately from reality, but are closely interwoven with it. It is therefore important toaccompany young people analog and digital to . Media literacy, open discussions and a critical view of algorithms and online content are essential to empoweryoung people and protect them from problematic ideologies.

While adults often view platforms such as TikTok or Instagram as entertainment media, young people also use  to finda sense of belonging - sometimes even support or meaning. These different perspectives can easily lead to misunderstandings - especially if you don't speak the same language . And that doesn't just mean words, but also emojis. What seems harmless at first glance can have a deeper meaning in everyday digital life. Emojis are an integral part of young people's online communication. They replace non-verbal signals, help express emotions - and are used in very unique and different ways depending on the community. In some cases,  even developfixed meanings or codes that are not immediately understandable to outsiders.

In a scene from the series Adolescence, it becomes clear how emojisarespecifically used as codes in certain online subcultures . In this case, the characters originate from the so-called "manosphere" - a digital environment in whichmisogynistic ideologies are disseminated, among other things . The emojis refer to the "incel" community, i.e. men who see themselves as involuntarily single and develop frustration or rejection towards women as a result.

However, emojis are not ambiguous or dangerous per se. In the vast majority of cases, they simply serve as word substitutes, reinforcement or a fun factor. Parents and teachers should therefore not be unsettled by every emoji - but should be sensitized if several signals indicate problematic content or group affiliations. Further information on Algospeak and the meaning of emojis can be found in our& nbsp ;article.

In connection with the series, many educators wonder how 13-year-old Jamie was able to radicalize so quickly and unnoticed. Young people are often under pressure from their peer group and social and family expectations as they develop their identity. On social media, you can find idealized body images, various lifestyle trends, coaching tips and communities. Adolescents in puberty are particularly receptive to role models and look to them for guidance. Among other things, they are attracted by the idea of earning money and recognition by optimizing their own body. This can inadvertently lead them to antiquated role models or even to anti-feminist communities. You can find information about problematic content and role models in social media in our Influencers section.

The study "Recommending Toxicity: How TikTok and YouTube Shorts are bombarding boys and men with misogynist content" by the Anti-Bullying Centre at Dublin City University (DCU ) investigated how recommendation algorithms from TikTok and YouTube Shorts suggest misogynistic and male-supremacist content to young men and boys within a short period of time after they sign up to . Ten experimental accounts were created on new smartphones - five on YouTube Shorts and five on TikTok.

The results showed that all male-identified accounts were exposed to masculinist, anti-feminist and other extremist content within the first 23 minutes of logging in, regardless of their initial search behavior. Once an account showed interest in such content, the amount of these recommendations increased rapidly. After 400 videos viewed (about two to three hours), most of the recommended content was toxic: 76% on TikTok and 78% on YouTube Shorts. This content mainly fell into the'manosphere' categories (alpha masculinity and anti-feminism), with influencer Andrew Tate in particular appearing frequently - 582 times on YouTube Shorts and 93 times on TikTok.

The study recommends , among other things, improved content moderation, the deactivation of recommendation algorithms by default and cooperation with trusted reviewers to highlight illegal, harmful and borderline content. It also emphasizes that teachers should be trained in digital media literacy to better educate young people about how influencer culture and algorithms work. For schools and families who want to better understand the issue and find strategies for talking to young people, the DCU has also published a helpful guide: Addressing the impact of Masculinity Influencers on Teenage Boys - A guide for schools, teachers and parents/guardians.

The Adolescence series is a wake-up call and impressively shows that we need to provide young people with appropriate support and assistance in dealing with harmful online influences.

1. Keep an open mind: Talk openly with your child about their online experiences and interests - without immediately judging or judging them. Showing genuine interest instead of exercising control helps to build trust. Ask which channels they find exciting and why - this creates a low-threshold conversation starter. You can find more conversation starters here.
2. Look together: Take a look together with your child at the apps, channels and content they use. Ask what certain symbols or trends mean - young people are often willing to explain. Sensitize children & young people to problematic trends among influencers. This will enable them to classify their idols in a competent and informed manner.
3. Recognize warning signs: Watch out for changes in behaviour, withdrawal, a drop in performance at school or conspicuous statements. These can be indications of stress or the influence of problematic content.
4. Set boundaries: Decide together on binding rules for appropriate usage times to prevent excessive media use and drifting into online communities. Make sure you monitor compliance with these rules.
5. Promote media literacy: Encourage young people to deal critically with online content and messages. Talk about disinformation, manipulation and the function of algorithms in social media.
6. Use support services: If you are unsure or have the feeling that your child is in trouble, you can contact advice centers such as Nummer gegen Kummer.

Below we present educational methods that you can use for working with young people.

klicksafe: Let's talk about porn! Module 4

Module 4 deals with sexualized violence and digital boundary violations. It takes a critical look at the role of tradwives, pick-up coaches and ideas of toxic masculinity in terms of the role model function for adolescents. The teaching projects in module 4 deal with boundary violating behavior in language, music and digital communication (class chat). Methods and suggestions for action in a station work are used to provide low-threshold information on how to take action against assaults.

GMK: Methods for political media education against hate online

The methods focus on the development of emotional and social skills, empowerment through the inclusion of victims' perspectives and approaches such as role-playing games to promote empathy and social media utopias to strengthen resilience.

menABLE toolbox on the topic of gender-based digital violence

Here you will find English-language resources with dilemmas and quizzes (online) as well as interactive challenges (offline) that students can work on in groups.

The Netflix series Adolescence can serve as a source of inspiration and offers a valuable basis for discussion, education and a conscious examination of the challenges of digital youth culture. In the UK, the series has sparked a debate across society and is to be shown in all secondary schools to raise awareness among young people and teachers about digital risks, problematic role models and manipulation. Above all, Adolescence is a call to action, as there is an urgent need for media education and intervention as well as supportive and safe spaces for young people.

Many thanks to our European Awareness Center partners from Ireland(Webwise) and Luxembourg(Beesecure).