Netflix show Adolescence prompts urgent warnings from AFP about social media use

A UK Netflix series has prompted an urgent reminder from the Australian Federal Police about online safety.

The show, Adolescence, deals with serious themes, including the dark sides of social media and the type of negative, violent influence it can have on children, teenage boys specifically.

It follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who is arrested for the murder of classmate Katie Leonard.

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The show reveals Miller had fallen down the online "manosphere" rabbit-hole of anti-women content, and it also reveals that he had been bullied online by his peers, who referred to him as an "incel".

A incel is defined as a man who is "involuntarily celibate" because they cannot attract female sexual attention, often due to their belief that women are the inferior gender.

The Australian Federal Police used the show to prompt warnings to parents about the online safety of Australian children and teenagers.

"It's an important reminder to regularly talk to your children about their internet use and understand what they are seeing, doing and experiencing online, and how this could be influencing and affecting them."

"It's also vital to educate yourself. If you don't know, or understand, what your children are doing online, ask them to show you and seek out more information."

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"There are multiple resources available to educate parents and carers and to help start these important conversations."

The show has stirred up conversations about extreme "anti-feminist" content creators like Andrew Tate.

Resources are available for parents at www.thinkuknow.org.au/resources-tab/parents-and-carers and www.accce.gov.au

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.