“Adolescence”: who educates in the digital era? The series offers reflection on the role of parents, schools and networks

The central focus of work – which does not aim to blame parents or schools – is, in fact, to demonstrate, with sensitivity and depth, the complexity that entails the formation of the identity of an individual

The “adolescence” series, from NetflixIt brings out an essential point that goes beyond the common notices on the risks faced by children and young hyperconnex. A universe that, for many of us adults, is still unknown. The central focus of work – which has no intention of blaming parents or schools – is, in fact, to demonstrate, with sensitivity and depth, the complexity that entails the formation of an individual’s identity. If before, this training was mainly supported by three pillars – family, school and community – today is intensely and continuously crossed by social networks.

Relationship of children with the world

To expand this look, it is relevant to bring, even if briefly, the contribution of the English psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott. In your studies, – collected in the book ‘Deprivation and delinquency‘ – Analyze the antisocial behaviors and the difficulty of many children in relation to the world. According to Winnicott, these behaviors are often linked to the first experiences of emotional deprivation, marked by the absence of a “Sufficiently good environment” . That is, a stable, welcoming and predictable emotional space, essential for the development of A himself authentic. In the absence of this environment, the child learns to adapt to the environment through a fake himselfModato to obtain acceptance, even if it costs its spontaneity and authenticity.

By transposing these ideas into the current context, especially in the adolescent universe, we can recognize how social networks often take the place of a sort of emotional compensation. I like the search, comments and digital validation can be understood as an attempt to fill the deepest emotional gaps – a search for recognition that may not have succeeded in other spaces of life. This is only an example – but superficial – in the face of the density treated by the series, which deals with even more dramatic themes, such as the criminal act committed by Jamie Miller, a character played with genius from Owen Cooper.

Subjective training of teenagers

From the point of view of Winnicott, a young man who finds no emotional security in the real world can build his identity from the perception of the other in the virtual world. This strengthens the behaviors that guarantee social approval, even if you keep it away from who you really are. The series shows, with sensitivity and lucidity, such as the subjective formation of teenagers today is intertwined with several vectors: the family, the school, the community and the networks. These pillars do not act in isolation: they influence each other, cross and are mutually responsible. And it is in this complexity that the power of narration lies.

Having said that, a question imposes itself: in the absence of a fairly good environment, built collectively by all of us, would young people seek, in the networks and virtuality, the welcome they do not find in the real world?

Reflections for adults

Two reflections are for us adults: we are parents, educators or only attendance attentive to teenagers. The first: the vulnerability of young people in front of the digital universe can be rooted in previous experiences of emotional deprivation – in which recognition, affection and bond have failed, not only in the family environment, but at school and in the community. It is important to remember that only adolescence is a delicate transition period, marked with biological, social and mental transformations. It is precisely at this stage that the young man turns to the world looking for himself. And it is in this movement that the look of the other now has immense power: validating or excluding it.

The question is not to look or control the teenager, but to build real ties. Know your world, listen to with genuine interest, observe without judgment. It is from the presence – physical, emotional and symbolic – that trust and partnership are born. And even with all this, something can still escape us. But you have to try. There are no manuals. However, there is the gesture of attention, the exercise of assistance and the commitment to be together.

The second reflection, perhaps the most demanding, is: how, will adults go more and more to know this digital universe and be present – by them and ourselves? Because, in the end, educating in the digital era is, first of all, an invitation to the presence: less control, more bond; Less judgment, more listening.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzbyv2jddsq

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.