NETFLIX’S hit show Adolescence should be “compulsory viewing” in all Irish schools, the Tanaiste has claimed.
The drama, starring Stephen Graham, tells the story of a 13-year-old boy arrested for the murder of his school classmate.
The show has been hailed for highlighting the impact that toxic masculinity and misogyny on social media can have on young boys.
Simon Harris today told the Dail he believes the show should be played in schools across the country to highlight the dangers of social media.
He said: “The programme Adolescence has really provided a glimpse into how toxic influencers are filling a void in young men’s lives.
“In fact, I believe Adolescence should be compulsory viewing in all our secondary schools across this country.
“Social media has such an influence on young lives and that’s why I think in Europe and Ireland we need to be true to our values.”
Harris made the comments after Fine Gael TD Joe Neville raised Conor McGregor’s appearance at the White House on St Patrick’s Day in the Dail.
The Kildare TD said: “People like Conor McGregor — the Irish version of Andrew Tate — promote hyper aggressive misogynistic and often violent forms of masculinity.”
The Fine Gael TD questioned what the Government was doing to tackle the rise of toxic masculinity.
The Tanaiste replied: “Let us be clear, the likes of Conor McGregor and Andrew Tate should not be social media influencers.
“They should be social pariahs. Their behaviour is wrong. It’s retrograde. It’s degrading. It’s damaging. They are normalising behaviour that is unacceptable.”
Adolescence reached a staggering 24.3 million views in its first four days on the streaming platform.
The show is on course to surpass all streaming records as viewers have been binge-watching the gripping thriller.
