The Netflix effect: how Adolescence can raise awareness of RG for young people
Iris Den Boer, Deal Me Out's head of external affairs and responsible gambling expert, on protecting younger demographics from the threat of online gambling harm
The Netflix series Adolescence has recently sparked important discussions in the media and political spheres regarding the impact of the internet on young people. The show highlights the pressures teens face online, drawing attention to the growing need for internet safety, digital literacy and the roles of parents, schools and educators in navigating the complexities of online behaviour.
As young people’s lives become increasingly shaped by the internet, addressing the risks of unethical influencers, online gambling and other online dangers, especially the black market actively targeting vulnerable groups, is more urgent than ever. Adolescence serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of educating youth on these risks to prevent exploitation.
Last month, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer voiced his concerns about the dangers posed by online content.
“If we’re going to get to grips with this, I personally would much rather we focus on what I think is the real issue, which is, whether you’re at school or elsewhere, what are you actually accessing? Because that, for me, is the critical issue,” he explained.
“Whether it’s at school or elsewhere, there’s material that clearly shouldn’t be accessed.”
Since then, Netflix has agreed to make the series available for free across UK schools, following discussions with Starmer and various charities. The aim, according to the prime minister, is to “support [children] in navigating contemporary challenges, and deal with malign influences”.
This aligns with the goals of charities like Deal Me Out, which prepares young people for adult life by focusing on internet literacy. Rather than removing internet access, these programmes equip youth to use the internet safely and responsibly by recognising the risks of gambling, cryptocurrency and influencer pressures.
While online spaces provide easy access to harmful content, it is important to recognise that some actions are illegal. Engaging with illegal gambling, unregulated financial schemes or inappropriate material can have serious legal consequences. Educating young people about these risks is crucial.
Educating the youth
As educators, we must emphasise the real-world consequences of online actions. The internet’s vast reach means even small, seemingly harmless actions can have devastating effects, as shown in Adolescence. Preparing young people for these risks is critical to their safety.
It is a sentiment shared by Jordan Lea, Deal Me Out CEO, who has explained: “Wherever the internet exists, so do the risks of fraud, scams, gambling enticements and deceptive digital worlds. It is our responsibility to promote internet literacy.
“We’ve been committed to this mission for years and, unfortunately, the need for it continues to grow. Thankfully, so does the reach and impact of our educational programmes.”
The rising awareness of these issues by politicians, regulators and society is a positive shift. Our research on the scale of the black gambling market aligns with the need for responsible internet use education, which Deal Me Out has been advocating for years.
Our workshops include topics on streaming, gambling mechanics in video games and esports, meaning several touchpoints of young people’s online lives and experiences can explored and supported.
As the conversation about internet safety evolves, Deal Me Out remains committed to equipping young people with the tools they need to make informed decisions in the digital age.
Iris Den Boer is dedicated to developing ethical and sustainable strategies, combining both a strategic planning perspective and a deep personal motivation for positive impact. As external affairs lead at Deal Me Out, she drives the organisation forward, expanding its reach and ensuring its vital work gains the recognition it deserves. This is where expertise meets passion and integrity – where she contributes to Deal Me Out’s mission to build a safer, more sustainable future for communities and drive meaningful societal change.