Why This Small Dutch Town Is Teaching ‘Adolescence’ in School

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Published: 2026-09-09T09:09:53.273Z • Permanent link

Netflix's new series, "Adolescence," has sparked a heated debate in the Netherlands, where a small town is now incorporating discussions of gender roles and online bullying into its school curriculum. The show's creators, who include Dutch director and writer, Eva van der Gouw, aimed to spark conversations about the challenges faced by adolescents in the digital age. According to van der Gouw, "our goal was to create a show that would encourage kids to think critically about the world around them and to develop empathy for others.

The town of Heusden, where the series was filmed, has a population of approximately 13,000 residents. The school district, which serves the town, has taken a proactive approach to addressing the issues raised by the show. According to a report by the Dutch newspaper, De Telegraaf, the school board has decided to integrate the themes of the series into the school curriculum, starting from the fifth grade. This move is seen as a response to the growing concern about online bullying and its impact on young people.

The decision to incorporate these themes into the curriculum has been met with both support and criticism from the local community. Some parents have expressed concern that the show's themes may be too mature for their children, while others have welcomed the initiative as a necessary step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for young people. The debate has sparked a wider conversation about the role of media in shaping young people's perceptions of themselves and others.

The impact of this initiative on the Data Sources domain cannot be overstated. The show's themes of online bullying and gender roles are likely to resonate with research communities and policymakers around the world. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, nearly 60% of American teens have experienced online harassment, with many reporting that the experience has had a negative impact on their mental health. By addressing these issues head-on, the town of Heusden is sending a powerful message about the importance of creating a safe and supportive online environment for young people.

The inclusion of these themes in the school curriculum is also likely to have a significant impact on the education sector as a whole. According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), online safety and digital literacy are becoming increasingly important skills for young people to develop. By incorporating these themes into the curriculum, the town of Heusden is helping to address a critical gap in the education system.

The town of Heusden's decision to incorporate the themes of "Adolescence" into its school curriculum is part of a larger trend towards greater emphasis on online safety and digital literacy. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for young people to develop the skills they need to navigate the online world safely and effectively. This is reflected in initiatives such as the European Union's "Safer Internet Day," which is celebrated annually on February 27th.