May 1, 2025
from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school
Looking for something to watch over spring break, I happened upon “Adolescence” on Netflix. Once I started watching it, I was hooked. Set in a northern English town, the series centers on 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who is arrested for the murder of a female classmate. The series delves deep into the psychological and social factors that could lead an ordinary teenager to commit such a heinous act. Rather than focusing on a traditional “whodunit” approach, “Adolescence” explores the “whydunit,” examining the influences of online radicalization, toxic masculinity, and societal neglect.
The four-part series is unsettling and deeply thought-provoking, shining a powerful light on some of the complex realities young people face today. While fictional, “Adolescence” captures an urgent truth: the internet is not just a place of harmless entertainment; it’s also shaping how young people see themselves, each other, and the world. “What struck me about the show is that it wasn’t really made for teens at all, but for us adults—to spark conversations about how easily young people can get lost in curated realities online,” said Dr. James Densley, MPA parent and internationally recognized criminologist, bestselling author, and thought leader on violence prevention. (James will be leading a discussion at MPA on Monday—see details below.)
One growing area of concern within the internet is the rise of the manosphere—a network of online spaces where young men and boys are often exposed to unhealthy, even harmful, ideas about masculinity, gender, and identity. What begins as advice about fitness, confidence, or success can quickly spiral into narratives that promote anger, blame, and misogyny. These messages are often hidden in gaming communities, social media influencers’ posts, and algorithm-driven content that adolescents encounter every day.
For young people—especially adolescent boys—the manosphere can be especially dangerous. Its content often appears on platforms they already use, like YouTube, TikTok, or Discord, and is delivered in ways that feel empowering, edgy, or “truth-telling.” Without guidance, it’s easy for young minds to internalize these messages without realizing how harmful or false they are.
As parents, it’s essential to:
- Be curious, not judgmental: Ask your child what they’re watching and who they’re following online.
- Encourage critical thinking: Help them question messages that seem to promote hate, blame, or fear.
- Model healthy masculinity: Show that strength includes kindness, respect, and emotional openness.
- Keep communication open: Create a safe space for your child to share what they’re seeing or feeling—even if it makes you uncomfortable.
The manosphere thrives on isolation and silence. Our best defense is open, honest conversation and the consistent reinforcement of values rooted in respect, empathy, and equity. To assist and equip you for these conversations, I invite you to a very important event in our Students and Screens parent education series: Boys and Social Media: Practical Takeaways from Netflix’s “Adolescence” this Monday, May 5, at 1:45-3 PM in the Recital Hall. Please RSVP here.
Dr. James Densley will join us to help unpack these issues during the session. “I always tell parents: it’s not about blame,” said Dr. Densley. “Neither you nor your child chose this reality, but you’re both living in it. We’re all up against an attention economy engineered to keep us scrolling. So the more we understand it, the better.” Drawing on nearly two decades of research and themes from “Adolescence,” Dr. Densley will explore how the attention economy, AI deepfakes, gaming cultures, emoji shorthand, and the online “performance” of violence are influencing young men today.
He’ll also offer clear and practical takeaways: how to build digital literacy, bolster emotional resilience, and foster healthy offline relationships in an always-on social media world. “During the session, we’ll unpack body-image trends such as ‘mewing’ and viral fitness hacks, showing how algorithms amplify competition, and the toll unrealistic pressures take on boys’ self-esteem.”
At MPA, we believe that education must extend beyond the classroom. Preparing students to live, learn, and thrive includes equipping them—and you—with the skills to navigate a complex and often challenging digital landscape. I hope you’ll join us for what promises to be a timely and important conversation.
Together, we can help our students become not only critical thinkers but compassionate and courageous individuals who truly embody our mission to dream big and do right.
