Unlocking EQ in Adolescents: Lessons Inspired by Netflix's "Adolescence"

As a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), I recently had the opportunity to deliver an assembly on Emotional Intelligence (EQ) to students from Year 7 to Year 13. This assembly, held during Neurodiversity Week 2025, was inspired not only by the importance of emotional intelligence but also by the themes explored in Netflix’s popular show Adolescence. The series has sparked conversations about the emotional challenges faced by young people, making it a timely and relevant topic for our school community.

Netflix’s Adolescence delves deeply into the emotional struggles of young people navigating their formative years. The show highlights the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation—core components of EQ. By addressing these themes in the assembly, we aimed to equip our students with practical tools to manage their emotions and relationships effectively.

At its heart, EQ is the ability to perceive, use, understand, manage, and handle emotions. During the assembly, we explored four key areas: self-awareness, emotion management, social awareness, and relationship management. These skills are essential for adolescents as they navigate the complexities of growing up.

Self-awareness was emphasised as the foundation of EQ. Students were encouraged to recognise their emotions and understand how these feelings influence their thoughts and actions—a theme mirrored in Adolescence, where characters grapple with understanding their inner worlds.

The discussion on emotion management resonated strongly with students. Drawing inspiration from Bruce Lee’s philosophy—“True power is sitting back and observing everything with logic”—we explored how adolescents can respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. This approach aligns closely with the struggles depicted in Adolescence, where characters learn to manage their emotions amidst challenging circumstances.

Social awareness and empathy were also key focuses. Students were guided to consider others’ perspectives and emotions, fostering better communication and conflict resolution skills. In Adolescence, these themes are brought to life through moments of connection and understanding between characters.

Finally, relationship management was highlighted as a critical skill for building healthy connections. Adolescents often face challenges in maintaining relationships due to emotional misunderstandings—a recurring conflict in Adolescence. By developing EQ, they can strengthen their bonds with peers and adults alike.

The impact of this assembly was tangible. One parent shared heartfelt feedback: “May I just say thank you for your motivational assembly today. It had a great impact on my daughter and reminded her about self-care. She’s brought it up twice this afternoon and referred to it as the highlight of her day! So well done, and thank you.” The parent’s comment underscores a crucial point: adolescents need frequent reminders about prioritising themselves and engaging in self-care.

This assembly was a follow-up to a previous session on Executive Functions, further highlighting the interconnected nature of cognitive and emotional skills. By focusing on both areas, we provide adolescents with a comprehensive toolkit not just for academic success but for navigating life’s challenges.

The relevance of EQ extends far beyond the classroom. Adolescents equipped with strong EQ skills are better prepared to handle stress, resolve conflicts, and build resilience—all themes central to Adolescence. As educators, we have the privilege to guide young people through this journey, helping them harness their emotions for personal growth.

Netflix’s Adolescence has brought much-needed attention to the emotional struggles faced by young people today. By integrating its themes into our discussions on EQ during Neurodiversity Week, we aim to empower adolescents with skills that will serve them well into adulthood. Emotional intelligence is not just a skill; it’s a lifelong asset that enables young people to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

By Majid Hakamali

Sunday 6th April 2025