This story contains spoilers about ‘Adolescence.’

Adolescence is a turbulent time. And the transition to adulthood from youth is complicated.

The recently released British series Adolescence on Netflix has struck a chord for many viewers. The show delves into the messy and often disturbing experiences of youth at a British school including bullying, misogyny, gender-based violence and the manosphere.

Adolescence explores the impact of masculinity on gender-based violence and youth identities. Viewers step into the life of Jamie (Owen Cooper), a 13-year-old boy who is accused of killing a 13-year-old girl, Katie (Emilia Holliday). Exploring Katie’s violent stabbing death reveals the troubling ways masculinity and gender are manifested in the lives of students.

An equally compelling part of the narrative is the familiar struggle of parents trying to communicate with, make sense of and support the young people in their lives.

The routine interactions among the students and the exchanges between parents makes this a disturbing yet compelling part of the series.

Throughout Adolescence, it’s made clear that too often, parents do not see or hear what is playing out before their very eyes.

We know too well the struggles of adolescence: trying to fit in, experiences with bullying, the impact of Instagram and other social media platforms, incels, the popularity of athletic boys, avoiding phys-ed classes when fearing they’re not athletic, homophobia and the silence between parents and their children.

Adolescence viewers are unsettled by what we see, but........

© The Conversation