Jack Thorne Champions Social Media Ban for Minors, Adapts "Lord of the Flies"
Jack Thorne, the acclaimed writer of the multi-award-winning series "Adolescence," has expressed strong support for Australia's recent social media ban for children under 16. He hopes the UK will adopt a similar policy, viewing this ban as a crucial development that could spread globally. Thorne has previously advocated for a "digital age of consent" in the UK to restrict social media access for minors, citing deep concerns about the online environments children navigate.
"Thorne views this ban as a crucial development that could spread globally."
Since its implementation in December, Australia's eSafety commissioner reported that 4.7 million under-16 social media accounts have been deactivated or removed, though the ban's effectiveness remains a subject of ongoing discussion.
"Adolescence" and its Social Commentary
Thorne's series "Adolescence" garnered multiple awards and sparked global conversations about toxic masculinity and the spread of harmful ideas through social media. The show's success has led to ongoing discussions with Netflix for a potential second season.
Reimagining "Lord of the Flies" for a Contemporary Audience
Thorne's latest project is a new television adaptation of William Golding's seminal 1954 novel, "Lord of the Flies." He identifies striking parallels between the "climate of populism and hate" Golding experienced following World War II and contemporary society, particularly in how hate finds expression across various platforms, including social media.
Themes of masculinity, rage, and shame, previously explored in "Adolescence" with co-creator Stephen Graham, have also informed this "Lord of the Flies" adaptation. The TV series aims to foster dialogue around the book's enduring themes of vulnerability, violence, and masculinity.
This adaptation marks the first television version of "Lord of the Flies," a project Thorne has endeavoured to develop for nearly two decades. The series focuses on one character per episode, beginning with Piggy, then progressing to Jack, Simon, and Ralph, to encourage audience empathy for each individual. Thorne emphasized the importance of portraying Jack's perspective to convey Golding's nuanced depiction of all characters.
Thorne's Distinctive Voice in Storytelling
Thorne is recognized for his UK-based shows that address significant social issues. These include "The Hack," which covers the News of the World phone hacking scandal, and "Toxic Town," based on the Corby toxic waste case. He also co-created "Help," a TV movie about a care home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thorne highlighted Netflix's approach to distinct and detailed storytelling, which allows specific narratives to resonate with international audiences. The "Lord of the Flies" adaptation is available for streaming on Stan.