Swinney welcomes influencer debate sparked by hit Netflix drama Adolescence

John Swinney has welcomed the debate around misogyny and online influencers sparked by the Netflix drama Adolescence.

As the critically acclaimed series was raised during First Minister’s Questions, Mr Swinney also referenced Gareth Southgate’s recent lecture on the dangers of “toxic influencers”.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton asked him about violence in Scottish schools, saying his party had produced research suggesting trends are not decreasing.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said the Netflix series had shone a light on misogyny in society.

The four-part crime drama – about a boy accused of killing his female classmate – was co-written and created by This Is England star Stephen Graham.

The series has been at the top of the most-watched programmes on the streaming website globally. It explores so-called incel culture and online misogyny, as well as social media bullying.

The Lib Dem leader said: “Since the launch of the Netflix drama Adolescence, everybody is talking about the challenges young people face – violence in school, the rise of toxic misogynists like Andrew Tate, and online bullying.

“It isn’t just a drama, it’s happening here and now in Scotland too.”

He highlighted research from the Lib Dems which found there have been 24,387 violent incidents reported in this school year so far, matching the trajectory from last year when more than 40,000 such incidents were recorded.

Mr Swinney said: “Let me agree with Mr Cole-Hamilton about the impact of the drama Adolescence because it is leading to some significant debate in our society – which I think is absolutely necessary – about the unacceptable behaviour of some supposed influencers who are influencing very poor behaviour among particularly young men in our society today.”

He said Southgate’s lecture had provided “significant contributions to the debate” in improving culture among men and boys.

The First Minister said his Government’s recent plan to tackle school violence had a “range of actions” and the issue has been influenced by the aftermath of the pandemic.

He said he is open to suggestions on how to make schools more safe.

In a separate question, Mr Swinney was also asked about the BBC’s decision to cut the River City soap opera.

Mr Swinney said he recognises “disappointment” at the move but said it is a decision for the broadcaster to make.

He said the Government attaches “the greatest level of importance” to productions taking place in Scotland and the Culture Secretary will be speaking to the BBC about the issue.