Flag Raising Ceremony Students’ Sharing 2025-5-8

Bella and Isabella, students from Form 3 Jacaranda and Form 4 Jacaranda, shared their views and reflections on a recent Netflix programme called Adolescence. They first gave a brief overview of the programme, followed by their analysis. They both think that Adolescence provides valuable lessons on navigating masculinity, social pressures, human relationships and the dangers of social media.

Written by Isabella Thida Horgan (Form 3) and Isabella Juliette Jacqueline De'eb (Form 4)

Isabella: Good morning everyone, I'm Isabella De’eb from Form 4 Jacaranda. 

Bella: Hi everyone, I’m Bella Horgan from Form 3 Jacaranda. Isabella, I have recently watched a new show that has been gaining immense popularity called Adolescence. Have you heard of it?

Isabella: Yes I do! Adolescence tells the story of how a family's world is turned upside down when 13-year-old Jamie Miller is arrested for murdering a schoolmate. 

Bella: Despite the unfortunate circumstances which are set around, I personally believe that this show has a lot of important underlying messages that are relevant to us. 

Isabella: Adolescence explores how the digital 'Manosphere' can negatively influence vulnerable boys, highlighting how misogynistic ideas can influence their development. For your information, misogynistic means showing feelings of hating women or a belief that men are better than women. Central to its themes is the examination of masculinity and the societal expectations that shape young men's emotional growth. 

Bella: We have chosen to talk about this show because it encourages us to critically reflect on different issues and helps us foster a deeper understanding of healthy masculinity, emotional expression, and the importance of rejecting harmful ideologies. In episode three of Adolescence, Jamie meets with a psychologist where he opens up to her about his complex feelings about his masculinity and female relations. He believes women are lesser, and has multiple outbursts of rage towards the female psychologist. He asks her, “Did I scare you when I shouted? How embarrassing is that? Getting scared by a 13-year-old.” Showing this unhealthy view towards masculinity and power over women. By addressing these themes, Adolescence provides valuable lessons on navigating social pressures and developing a positive sense of identity.

Isabella: In this modern era, where our lives are filled with social media every day, being adolescents ourselves makes our minds and thoughts more susceptible to external influences. For example, Adolescence mentions content creators such as Andrew Tate sharing unhealthy perspectives on masculinity and how modern women should be treated or act, saying that Women’s purpose is to serve men and more false ideologies. We should carefully monitor what content we are watching in the future to prevent ourselves from being easily manipulated.

Bella: You are right, Isabella. We should be aware of the dangers of social media and understand how impressionable our minds are. I would also like to add that despite the central idea of Adolescence being toxic masculinity and is about young boys, I think everyone can learn from this show.  

Isabella: In today's world, social media platforms such as Instagram are one of the primary sources that influence young people. Which is why this show serves as a great lesson to all parents - Parents are very influential in a child's life. The values they teach are far more important than what their child might see on social media. 

Bella: Adolescence is a show that every single one of us can learn from, no matter what age or who we are. This rise in the digital Manosphere poses a real danger that we must all look out for. 

Isabella: If you are struggling with any of the things we have discussed in today’s sharing or know someone who is, please don't hesitate to ask for help or help. This is a very serious issue that can lead to very serious consequences, as was shown in the show. 

Bella: No matter if you have watched it or not, we encourage you to think deeply about the issues mentioned in the show and think about what should be the right thing to do. Be critical! Don’t blindly follow! 

Both: That’s the end of today’s sharing. Thank you.