‘Young white men are vilified!’ Keir Starmer torched over call to show ‘horrifying’ Adolescence in schools
Sir Keir Starmer has backed calls for Netflix’s hit drama “Adolescence” to be shown in parliament and schools, sparking controversy.
The Prime Minister revealed he watches the programme with his own teenage children.
The drama, which stars Stephen Graham, depicts the aftermath of a teenage girl’s stabbing, with a 13-year-old boy from her school arrested for her murder.
Graham and co-writer Jack Thorne have expressed hopes the show will “cause discussion and make change”.
The series has topped Netflix charts globally and received critical acclaim.
Starmer’s endorsement came in response to a question from Labour MP Anneliese Midgley during PMQs.
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GB News viewer Fergus expressed strong opposition to Starmer’s suggestion on the People’s Channel.
“I just watched the whole of Adolescence and it’s horrifying”, he said.
While praising the “brilliant acting” and “powerful” storytelling, Fergus condemned the idea of showing it in schools.
“The idea of Keir Starmer to put it to kids in schools – I think it’s horrifying. All it would do is horrify them about somebody who maybe did or didn’t kill somebody.”
His comments reflect growing concern among some viewers about the appropriateness of exposing schoolchildren to the drama’s intense content.
The controversy highlights divided opinions on how to address youth violence through media.
GB News presenter Alex Armstrong weighed in on the debate with a passionate response.
“I feel really passionately about this topic. I feel that young white men in this country are the most targeted group of people, the most vilified and clearly, by most statistics, the most forgotten,” Armstrong said.
He suggested that young white men lack support from diversity initiatives.
“There’s no DEI (Diversity, Equality and Inclusion) crusader come for them, is there?” he added.
Armstrong’s comments reflect a perspective shared by some critics who believe certain demographics are overlooked in contemporary discussions about equality.
His remarks add another dimension to the controversy surrounding the Netflix drama’s potential use in educational settings.
The Prime Minister defended his position during PMQs, explaining his personal connection to the show.
“At home we are watching Adolescence. I’ve got a 16-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl, and it’s a very good drama to watch,” Sir Keir told the Commons.
He emphasised the drama addresses genuine societal issues that need confronting.
“This violence carried out by young men, influenced by what they see online, is a real problem,” he stated.
Starmer was unequivocal about the need for action on the issue.
“It’s abhorrent, and we have to tackle it,” he concluded.
His comments suggest he views the drama as a potential educational tool rather than merely entertainment.