Quick Read
- Ashley Walters, star of Netflix’s Adolescence, says the series changed his perspective on parenting.
- He has reduced his son’s screen time and introduced more offline activities.
- The series tackles incel culture and its connection to online behaviors.
- Walters hopes the show sparks global conversations on internet safety and parenting.
- He expressed interest in a potential second season with new characters and stories.
Ashley Walters, widely recognized for his role as DI Luke Bascombe in Netflix’s hit series Adolescence, has opened up about how the show has influenced his parenting style. In a recent interview with Men’s Health UK, Walters admitted that the series’ exploration of online behaviors, including incel culture and social media misuse, prompted him to reevaluate his son’s screen time and approach to digital consumption.
The Impact of Adolescence on Parenting
Released in early 2025, Adolescence is a gripping crime drama that delves into the darker corners of internet culture. The series, written by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, tells the story of a boy accused of killing a classmate, with the narrative shedding light on how online environments can foster harmful ideologies. Walters, portraying a detective at the center of the investigation, found the themes of the series resonating with his personal life.
In the interview, Walters shared: “(As parents) we’re really about uplifting and pushing the things that they love. He’s (his son) an animator, so he has a lot of animation software on his iPad and spends his time doing that. But sometimes, he’s not animating when we think he is.”
He explained how the show made him and his family more mindful of screen time. “Half the week, he can’t even touch his device,” Walters revealed. Instead, he has introduced activities like fishing to encourage more offline engagement. Walters emphasized the importance of balancing limits with empathy, stating, “No one wants to be the ogre parent that comes in and goes, ‘all right, that’s it, everything off.’”
Global Conversations on Internet Safety
Beyond his personal reflections, Walters highlighted the broader societal impact of Adolescence. The show has sparked conversations about online safety, particularly for younger audiences who are increasingly exposed to harmful content. Walters noted, “Around the world, this show has allowed parents to go, ‘f*** that, Adolescence says this could happen, now we’re going to start having this conversation.’”
The series’ exploration of incel culture—a subculture of men who describe themselves as involuntarily celibate and often harbor misogynistic views—has been particularly impactful. By addressing how these ideologies proliferate online, Adolescence has encouraged viewers to reflect on the dangers of unregulated internet usage.
Stephen Graham, who co-wrote the series and also stars as Eddie Miller, the father of a boy accused of murder, has similarly spoken about the importance of these themes. Graham’s character navigates the challenges of parenting in the digital age, offering a parallel to Walters’ real-life experiences.
A Potential Second Season
While Walters expressed enthusiasm for returning to Adolescence if a second season is greenlit, he acknowledged that the format might change. “I would love to [return], but I think it will be completely different characters with a completely different story,” he said. This approach aligns with the anthology-style storytelling that has gained popularity in recent years.
The first season has already made a significant impact, both in terms of its narrative and its ability to spark meaningful discussions. The July/August issue of Men’s Health UK, which features Walters on the cover, delves deeper into his thoughts on the series and its influence on his life.
The Broader Implications
Adolescence is more than just a crime drama; it’s a cultural touchpoint that addresses urgent issues surrounding digital behavior and parenting. Walters’ candid reflections underscore the importance of media in shaping societal attitudes and personal choices. As parents and educators grapple with the challenges of raising children in an increasingly digital world, shows like Adolescence serve as both a warning and a call to action.
In an era where screen time is a ubiquitous part of childhood, Walters’ decision to limit his son’s device usage and focus on shared activities offers a valuable perspective. His journey as both an actor and a father exemplifies the potential for art to inspire real-world change.
Ashley Walters’ role in Adolescence serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to spark reflection and action. His insights into parenting in the digital age are both timely and thought-provoking, offering valuable lessons for families worldwide.