Adolescence has the power to change the UK, Keir Starmer says

Hit Netflix show Adolescence ‘lit a touchpaper’ in the UK and has the power to change the country, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

The Prime Minister wrote exclusively for Metro to explain his decision to back the screening of the four-part drama series in schools.

Its depiction of misogyny among young people and the hazards of social media ‘shines a light on a problem that is too often swept under the carpet’, he said.

Adolescence, which stars Stephen Graham and newcomer Owen Cooper, has become the most talked-about British show of the year since it premiered earlier this month.

Cooper plays a 13-year-old schoolboy who is accused of murdering his female classmate. Episodes cover how his life at home, in school and online affected his mentality.

Yesterday, Jack Thorne – who co-wrote the series with Graham – and producer Jo Johnson joined the PM and campaigners in Downing Street to discuss the issues it raises.

In his article for Metro, Sir Keir writes about the case of Jane Clough, a nurse who was stabbed to death outside a Blackpool hospital in 2010 by a man who was awaiting trial on multiple counts of raping her.

As director of public prosecutions at the time, he met Jane’s parents John and Penny, and he later described becoming ‘good friends’ with the couple.

The PM said: ‘I vowed then that I would do everything I could to prevent violence against women and get justice for the victims.

‘So much of this is about prevention, about pulling young boys back before they get in too deep.

‘It’s about youth work, good role models, neighbourhood policing, and mental health support so young people learn to deal with their emotions and the challenges they face.’

He continued: ‘But it’s clear that one of the greatest dangers to young people today isn’t on our streets – it’s in the home.

‘If children can access corners of the internet that glorify violence and encourage hatred in their bedrooms, there is nowhere they are safe.

‘And parents who think they are doing the right thing are left in the dark about the terrifying content accessible to every young person today.’

Labour MP Anneliese Midgley first raised the idea of screening Adolescence in schools during Prime Minister’s Questions on March 20.

Sir Keir responded that he backed the plans, telling Midgeley he was watching the show at home with his 16-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter.

Netflix announced on Tuesday the show would become available to all secondary schools across the UK.

In his article, the PM said: ‘Adolescence has given a voice to everyone fearful and isolated, wondering what to do and wanting to change the culture of male violence.

‘It has lit a touchpaper. It may save lives. It has the power to change our country. I am so pleased that as many people as possible will watch it.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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