The Netflix drama 'Adolescence', which has sparked widespread debate about the harmful influences young boys are exposed to online, will be broadcast in UK secondary schools.

"We are incredibly proud of the impact the series has had and are delighted to be able to offer it to all UK schools," said Anne Mensah, Vice President of Content for the UK at Netflix. The four-part series has "helped articulate the pressures facing young people and parents," according to Mensah.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with the show's creators along with charities and young people at his Downing Street office.

Starmer said he had watched the drama - in which a 13-year-old boy kills a girl after being radicalised on the internet.

"It is an important initiative to encourage as many students as possible to watch the show," the prime minister said.

"Having an open conversation about the changes in the way they communicate, the content they see and exploring the conversations they have with their peers is vital if we are to properly support them in navigating modern challenges and tackling malign influences," Starmer added.

"Adolescence," which was released on March 13, follows the aftermath of the fatal stabbing of a schoolgirl, revealing the dangerous influences boys are subjected to online.

According to entertainment industry magazine Variety, the series had 24.3 million views in its first four days, making it Netflix's most-watched show for the week of March 10-16. | BGNES, AFP