The rise in brutal knife crime and tragic child murders in Britain has sparked a wave of concern across the country.
In light of these events, actor Stephen Graham felt compelled to create the hit Netflix drama Adolescence, a series that has captured the attention of viewers worldwide.
Released earlier this month, the show has racked up over 24 million views, becoming a global sensation.
Adolescence is unique in its approach, telling its story through four one-take episodes.
It follows 13-year-old Jamie, played by Owen Cooper, who is accused of killing his classmate, a young girl.
Adolescence Depicts the Chilling Reality of Radicalization and Incel Culture
The series has received widespread acclaim for its chilling portrayal of radicalization and the growing incel culture among young boys.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer even suggested that the show be shown in schools as part of a campaign to raise awareness and educate young teens on these concerning issues.
The show has stirred intense discussions in parliament and online, with many wondering who Jamie, the main character, is based on.
While some speculate about the inspiration behind the character, Graham clarified that it wasn’t any one specific case, but rather a collection of disturbing incidents involving child murders that led to the creation of the drama.
A Response to Rising Knife Crime and Child Murders Across the UK
Stephen Graham shared his personal experience in creating Adolescence, detailing how various brutal cases influenced him.
He recalled an incident in Liverpool where a young girl was tragically stabbed to death by a boy.
Graham was deeply disturbed by this and the subsequent cases, including the murder of Brianna Ghey in 2023.
“I just thought, ‘What’s going on? What is happening?’” Graham said in an interview with Radio Times.
He explained that over the past decade, the UK has seen an epidemic of knife crime, particularly among young boys, with cases that stuck out to him due to their brutality and senselessness.
One such case that deeply impacted Graham was the murder of 12-year-old Ava White in Liverpool.
The Murder of Ava White: A Catalyst for Change
Ava White’s murder in November 2021 shook the nation.
The 12-year-old girl was killed by a 14-year-old boy after an argument over a Snapchat video.
In a horrifying turn of events, Ava’s killer, referred to as Boy A, stabbed her in the neck and fled the scene, showing no remorse.
He later attempted to cover up the crime and even went about his day as if nothing had happened.
This senseless act left Ava’s family devastated, with her mother, Leanne White, expressing the anguish she feels every day since losing her daughter.
The case of Ava White is one example of the rising violence involving young boys and girls, which Graham wanted to address through Adolescence.
The Tragic Death of Elianne Andam: A Story of Brutal Violence
Another tragic case that influenced Adolescence was the murder of 15-year-old Elianne Andam in Croydon, London.
Elianne was stabbed to death in a brutal attack by Hassan Sentamu, who was enraged after an argument over a teddy bear.
Sentamu’s violent outburst ended Elianne’s life, leaving her family shattered.
Her mother, Dorcas Andam, described Elianne as a loving and vibrant girl who was full of life.
In her victim impact statement, Dorcas expressed the deep pain she feels from losing her daughter in such a cruel and senseless way.
The attack on Elianne, like so many others, prompted Graham to explore the reasons behind this epidemic of violence among young people.
Brianna Ghey’s Murder: A Brutal Act of Hate and Violence
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching case was the murder of transgender teenager Brianna Ghey.
In February 2023, Brianna, just 16 years old, was brutally stabbed 28 times by two teenagers, Eddie Ratcliffe and Scarlett Jenkinson.
The two teenagers had been obsessed with the idea of killing and torture, and their murder of Brianna was planned in advance.
The attack, described as “exceptionally brutal,” took place in Linear Park, Culcheth, and left Brianna’s body in the mud.
Her killers later posted a fake tribute to her on social media, showing no remorse for their actions.
Brianna’s murder was a horrific example of hate-fueled violence, and it deeply affected Stephen Graham as he developed the storyline for Adolescence.
Why Are Young British Teens Becoming Killers? A Search for Answers
Graham’s desire to create Adolescence came from his struggle to understand why young British teens were becoming killers.
Reflecting on the issue in an interview with Chris Moyles, he expressed the confusion and heartache he felt after reading about and hearing news reports of such tragedies.
“Why is this happening?” he asked.
As a father, Graham couldn’t help but feel that something was wrong with society.
He believed that the rise of violence among young boys was a result of the influence of the internet and the lack of proper guidance from parents, schools, and society as a whole.
The Impact of Online Influencers and Misogyny on Young Boys
A key element in Adolescence is the exploration of how young boys are increasingly influenced by toxic online cultures, particularly the “manosphere.”
This online subculture promotes misogyny, toxic masculinity, and a disdain for feminism.
Some young boys, as young as 10, are being influenced by these harmful ideas, which contribute to the rise of violence and a lack of respect for women.
Education experts have warned that these dangerous ideas are infiltrating schools, with boys rebelling against female teachers and even openly expressing misogynistic views.
The Role of Society in Shaping Young Minds
Stephen Graham believes that everyone plays a role in shaping the minds of young people.
He pointed out that in his generation, the kind of violence and hatred seen today was unheard of.
He stressed the importance of community, education, and parental guidance in preventing such behavior.
The internet has become a significant influence on young people, and Graham hopes that by tackling these issues in Adolescence, he can spark conversations that lead to meaningful change in society.
Education and Intervention: The Need for Action
The issues raised in Adolescence are not just fictional; they reflect a troubling reality that needs to be addressed.
Education experts have stressed the importance of teaching young people about healthy relationships, consent, and the dangers of misogyny.
The UK government is also taking action to tackle the problem by reviewing the relationships, sex, and health curriculum to ensure that students are educated about these issues.
The Online Safety Act is another step toward protecting children from harmful online content that promotes violence and hatred.
A Call for Change: Tackling Knife Crime and Violence in the UK
In response to the growing knife crime epidemic, the UK government is taking steps to reduce violence and protect young people.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called for more education on the dangers of online violence and the impact it has on young minds.
As the country grapples with this crisis, it’s clear that the issues raised in Adolescence are more relevant than ever.
The show has sparked a much-needed conversation about the state of society and the factors contributing to the rise of violence among young people.