Adolescence: Yes, You Should Watch This With Your Teenager

We (Sean Donohue and Sean Potts) have both worked with kids and teenagers for over twenty years. 

We have seen a lot. We’ve walked with many families through tough times. Through pain, darkness and immense negativity. We have both witnessed how good kids, from good families, can make bad decisions. We started our careers way before the birth of social media and have been on the front lines since the beginning. We are sad to say we have seen many good kids become corrupted by the media they scroll and enjoy. 

Social media can brainwash our children. The science has proven this. 

We each recently watched the popular Netflix miniseries, Adolescence. Wow, we both agree - it was an amazing and intense display of what teenagers go through these days.

But WARNING - Adolescence is not an easy watch.  

It’s dark. 

Edgy. 

Disturbing.

I, Sean Donohue, watched the show the first month it came out. It was a hard watch. I wanted to turn it off many times. Many times. But I felt compelled to watch it. Finish it. 

I did complete it…and I was not in a good place. Part of me wished I had never watched it- or exposed myself to something so depressing, emotional and unproductive. I was so upset I even did a social media post about the show and discouraged parents from watching it! The post has been seen by 24,000 people - and got some juicy comments. (Click the link to read it) 

.Why was it so hard for me? Lots of reasons. I have a 20-year old, 19 and 8. I understand that the youth world can be negative, dark and hurtful. It’s uncomfortable and not enjoyable to think about my children experiencing what these characters experience. 

But…I’ve had a change of heart. 

After we, Sean and Sean, discussed this show over several conversations, we agreed that we want to share some professional advice for you:

Watching Adolescence with your teenager (and maybe your tween) is a good…or even a great…parenting choice. 

Why watch something so dark and negative?

Here’s why we think you should watch it…

1. See the World Through Their Eyes

Adolescence offers an honest, often raw portrayal of what it’s like to grow up today. From social media pressure, the impact of influencers, identity exploration, family conflict and academic anxiety, this series helps parents experience the teen journey from the inside out.

Instead of guessing what your teen might be going through, Adolescence is a front-row seat to what is shaping them.  Such a raw, real opportunity to see the underbelly of youth culture doesn’t come along very often. Take it.

 2. Bridge the Communication Gap

Watching Adolescence will open the door to meaningful conversations—ones that go beyond “How was your day?” and into real emotional territory.  Here are a few ideas for conversation starters:

“Is that really what it’s like at school?”
“Do I ever parent you like that?” 
“Why are the teachers like that?”
“Is this how kids really are?”

“What character are you most like in this story?”
“Why are these parents so out of touch?”

Listen and speak. 

Connect.

Use it as a shared language for tough topics like peer pressure, loneliness, or risk-taking.

 3. Better Understand Your Child’s Personal Struggles

Your kid will not relate to everything in this show. But they will relate to some. What parts? What characters? You will only know when you ask them.

Your child’s responses will help you approach your teen’s world with empathy -  instead of fear, frustration or out-of-the-loop avoidance.

 Here are a few comments that parent's left me in the comments of my original, negaiotve post:

4. Challenge Your Own Assumptions

The series doesn’t just educate—it invites reflection. Many parents find themselves rethinking how they talk about things like boundaries, independence, or emotional resilience.

Good parenting is not about having all the answers—it’s about becoming a more thoughtful guide. Mentor. Coach. 

5. Model Curiosity and Care and Build Trust

When teens see their parents genuinely interested in understanding them—not just correcting them—it builds trust. Connection. Friendship. Watching Adolescence shows your willingness to engage, learn, and grow alongside them. 

Final Thoughts

Parenting a teenager is like navigating a constantly shifting landscape—emotions run high, communication gets tricky, and the rules of connection seem to change overnight. 

You don’t need to “get” every trend or speak fluent Gen Z. But showing up, paying attention, and learning from resources like Adolescence can strengthen the bridge between you and your teen.

Because parenting isn’t just about guiding the next generation—it’s about walking with them.

 Your Friends, Sean and Sean

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Sean Donohue

Family Coach 

Founder of ParentingModernTeens.com

 Click HERE to get 1:1 support from Sean.

Sean Potts

Family Coach 

Click HERE to get your teen some coaching from Sean P.