Netflix’s new hit series Adolescence which premiered on the platform on March 13, has quickly amassed 66.3 million views as well as attracting the attention of Prime Minister Kier Starmer. According to The Hollywood Reporter, with a full focus on public safety, Starmer took interest in the series, seeking to use it to educate not only children and teens of the UK, but also worldwide. Starmer and co-writer Jack Thorne, who is also known for the 2017 movie Wonder, and Enola Holmes (2020), joined a roundtable event to further discuss the series and its striking messages against social media harm and misogyny.

The Prime Minister welcomed the filmmakers to Downing Street on Monday to further discuss how children could be protected, while the UK sees a rise in violence and misogynistic behaviors against women and young girls. With the series’ popularity, Starmer proposed free streaming of the series in schools for teens and younger children, with the hopes of sparking conversations amongst themselves and their teachers.

Thorne, who also aided in producing the show, aimed to spark conversations amid the show’s thrilling dramatic scenes. The series’ plot introduces the tragic murder of a young girl named Katie Leonard, while 13 year old Jamie (played by Owen Cooper) is accused of fatally wounding her. The show’s message seeks to question not only Jamie, but also each adult in his life, leaving a powerful message of this type of tragedy being everyone’s responsibility. When asked about the series itself, Starmer stated, “It seems like the whole nation is talking about Adolescence, and not just this nation. As a dad, I have not found it easy to watch this with children, because it connects with the fears and worries you have as parents and adults.”

Following the statements made by Starmer, founder of the Everyone’s Invited charity, Soma Sara, highlighted the increasing sexual and violent crimes taking place among children as young as ten years old. According to The Hollywood Reporter, her charity has collected thousands of statements from young girls who have reported sexual assaults or other inappropriate behaviors on school grounds. While Sara is not for banning social media to curve the violence on the platforms, she seeks an outward approach such as Starmer and Thorne, which involves spreading awareness.

While UK police tend to the increasing violent crime rates against women and young girls in the country, Sara leaves viewers of the series with one important revelation, stating, “This is everyone’s problem. When a child is accused, everyone’s to answer. It’s about realizing we’re all responsible.”