CCP161: On “Adolescence”

Aug 15, 2025

Explore the troubling themes of violence and innocence in the streaming series 'Adolescence,' revealing the harsh realities of teenage life in a digital world. Discover the urgent issues of cyberbullying and online exploitation that today’s youth face, often hidden from parental view. Gain practical communication strategies to bridge the gap between parents and their adolescents, fostering openness during this critical developmental phase. Delve into how faith can offer guidance in navigating these complex challenges.

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INSIGHT

Why-Dunit Focus Reveals Root Causes

Adolescence is a why-dunit focused on understanding why a seemingly good kid commits violence rather than who did it.
The series exposes how online subcultures and hidden digital lives can reshape a child's motives and identity.

INSIGHT

Hidden Online Worlds Shape Teens

The show links teenage online worlds to bullying, sexualized content, and manosphere rhetoric that radicalize kids.
It highlights a canyon between parental perception and adolescents' hidden digital influences.

ADVICE

Seize The Tween Communication Window

The tween years (ages ~10–13) are a critical window when questions start and parents must initiate conversations.
Use that window to build trust so communication continues after puberty when kids often shut down.

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This summer, we're taking a short break from our regular podcast format, and instead have selected various installments from past message series given by James Emery White at Mecklenburg Community Church where he serves as the Senior Pastor. In a world where streaming media often dominates cultural conversation, certain shows stand out - not only for their entertainment value but also for the deeper messages they convey. In Meck's series "Streaming Now," we explored four of the most popular streaming shows sparking widespread cultural and spiritual conversations: "Severance," "Adolescence," "The Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke," and "The White Lotus." We've already discussed one of these shows on an earlier episode of the Church & Culture Podcast - CCP144: On “Severance." Today, we're going to show the message on "Adolescence" to discover the message it contains, the lessons that can be learned, and the ways the Bible and Christian faith might engage and respond to them.

Episode Links

Below you'll find the link to the full series if that's something you are interested in checking out, along with the sources that were used in the development of the message itself:

“Streaming Now”

Olga Khazan, “What Jonathan Haidt Thought When He Watched Adolescence,” The Atlantic, April 15, 2025, read online.

Dr. James Dobson, Preparing for Adolescence.

Ken Gire, The Reflective Life: Becoming More Spiritually Sensitive to the Everyday Moments of Life.

Dolores Curran, Traits of a Healthy Family.

We'd also encourage you to check out other parenting and family series given by Dr. White at Mecklenburg Community Church. You can find them under the “Marriage and Family” category of resources HERE.

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