Why a Small Dutch Town Is Teaching Netflix's "Adolescence" in School

A small town in the Netherlands has begun using the Netflix series "Adolescence" as a teaching tool in local schools. Educators see the show as a way to open up conversations with students on topics that can otherwise be difficult to discuss directly in the classroom.

Sparking debate on gender roles

Teachers hope that watching the series, followed by classroom discussion, will encourage students to examine how society and media shape expectations around masculinity and femininity. The approach is intended to prompt young people to think critically about gender stereotypes they encounter daily, both in school and online.

Addressing online bullying

The second reason for bringing the series into the classroom is to confront the problem of online bullying. Educators believe the show's storyline can serve as a starting point for discussions about how young people behave on the internet and social media, and how to recognize and prevent harmful behavior toward peers.

The decision to bring a popular piece of entertainment into the school curriculum reflects a broader trend in education: using culturally relevant media that students already know to discuss complex social issues in a way that feels accessible and relevant to them. The example set by this small Dutch town could serve as a model for other schools looking for new ways to engage students in discussions about gender roles and life online.