Adolescence, Screens, and Staying Connected: What Single Parents Are Saying
Netflix’s Adolescence has got families talking — about the dangers online, knife crime, toxic influencers and the rise of misogyny both offline and online. The series shines a light on what growing up in a digital world really looks like for young people today. It’s sparked powerful conversations in the Single Parents Wellbeing community about screen time, social media, peer pressure, and how we protect and support our kids in the online world.
Below, we’re sharing real thoughts from single parents and young people, along with practical advice and ideas drawn from their lived experiences. Because when it comes to tech, parenting and adolescence — we’re all learning together.
1. It’s not just about limits — it’s about connection
“I’ve always had a rule that devices are not stored in bedrooms overnight... We wind down with TV or just time together instead. I’m not always popular, but when I hear their phones pinging at 1am at their friends’ houses, I know I’ve made the right choice.”
Tip: Create space for connection. Watching Adolescence or other age-appropriate shows together gives you a natural moment to talk about difficult topics. Ask open questions like, “What would you do in that situation?” or “Do you know anyone who’s had a similar experience?”
2. Kids need boundaries — and they need to know why
“I gave my 11-year-old a pink Nokia flip phone — calls and texts only. It’s perfect. No apps, no internet. But the peer pressure for a smartphone is HUGE.”
“I wish I could go back and only do a basic phone, but the decision wasn’t mine.”
Tip: Make tech rules part of family culture, not punishment. And if co-parenting, try to align boundaries between households — or at least communicate clearly with your child about the differences and why they exist.
3. Build a space where your child feels safe to talk
“We have a monthly ‘tech talk’ where we discuss anything he’s seen online that’s made him feel uncomfortable. It’s hard, but it helps.”
Tip: Kids are far more likely to open up if they know they won’t be judged or punished for what they’ve seen. Make time for regular check-ins and remind them: “You can talk to me about anything.”
4. Peer pressure is real — and it doesn’t stop at the school gate
“A few of my friends got the whole class to sign a contract to say no smartphones until high school. But I’m not sure what the answer is.”
“I stopped doing Snapchat streaks months ago because it’s not good for you.”
Tip: Encourage your child to reflect on how tech makes them feel, not just how it makes them look or fit in. Help them build confidence to opt out of things that don’t feel right.
5. You don’t need to be a tech expert — you just need to be present
“I’m from an IT background and I still feel completely out of my depth... Are they safe on PS4s? Can strangers get through on school apps? What’s iCloud even doing?”
Tip: You don’t have to know everything — just stay curious and involved. Use tools like Family Link app, screen time limits, and safe search filters.
6. Keep devices out of bedrooms — your future self will thank you
“My son’s Xbox is now downstairs where I can keep an eye on him.”
“I check my 13-year-old’s phone twice a week. It’s mostly fine, but I feel better knowing.”
Tip: Keep tech in shared spaces, especially in the evenings. Set clear wind-down routines that prioritise sleep, calm, and offline connection. You don’t have to be invasive — just engaged.
Creating a Safe Tech Culture at Home
Here are a few key takeaways from the SPW community:
Keep tech visible and shared
Have regular, open conversations (even when it’s awkward!)
Avoid tech in bedrooms — especially at night
Set clear, consistent rules and explain the why
Support your child in setting boundaries with friends and platforms
Don’t try to do it all alone — talk to other parents, ask for help, and share ideas
The digital world is always evolving — and so is adolescence. As Adolescence on Netflix shows us, the pressures, challenges and joys of growing up are complex. But the most powerful thing we can do as parents? Be present, stay open, and create a space where our children feel safe to talk.
Whether that’s through a monthly “tech talk,” a no-phones-in-bedrooms rule, or watching shows together and asking the tricky questions — you’re doing better than you think.
Take a look at our internet safety websites for parents on our children and young people resources page HERE