Inside ‘Social Studies’: The Documentary That’s Making Parents Lose Sleep

Right, let me paint you a picture. It’s 2025, and your teenager’s probably upstairs right now, thumb-scrolling through their digital world. But what if you could see everything they see? And I mean everything. Lauren Greenfield’s new documentary series ‘Social Studies’ does exactly that – and crikey, it’s not for the faint-hearted.

The Wild West of Teen Social Media

Remember when the scariest thing about being a teenager was getting caught smoking behind the bike sheds? Those days feel positively quaint now. Having binged all five episodes of ‘Social Studies’ on Disney+, I can tell you that today’s digital playground makes those old rebellions look like episodes of Teletubbies.

Greenfield’s groundbreaking series follows 25 teenagers, capturing their unfiltered online and offline lives. We’re talking explicit content sharing, 91-hour fasting challenges, and midnight escapes through bedroom windows – all documented on their smartphones with the casualness of sharing a TikTok dance.

The Generation Gap Has Never Been Wider

Here’s the kicker: while parents are fretting about screen time, their kids are navigating a parallel universe of cyberbullying, dangerous beauty standards, and what Greenfield calls “rape culture.” One mum I spoke to nearly dropped her gin and tonic when she saw what her daughter’s average day online looked like.

The series is being tipped for an Emmy, and honestly? It deserves every accolade going. It’s proper brave filmmaking that doesn’t just scratch the surface – it rips the bloody door off.

When Digital Native Meets Digital Naive

The most fascinating bit? The stark divide in reactions. Young viewers are nodding along like “finally, someone gets it,” while us oldies (anyone over 25, let’s be honest) are watching through our fingers in horror. It’s like we’re speaking different languages – except one side’s using emojis and the other’s still trying to figure out what “no cap” means.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About ‘Social Studies’

Is Social Studies appropriate for family viewing?

Look, I’ll be straight with you – this isn’t Sunday evening Countryfile. The series carries mature content warnings for good reason, dealing with themes like sexual exploitation, eating disorders, and mental health. It’s aimed at sparking important conversations, not family movie night.

Where can I watch Social Studies?

The series is streaming exclusively on Disney+ in the UK. Yes, Disney+ – not just home to Marvel and Star Wars anymore, eh?

Should parents watch this with their teenagers?

If you’re brave enough, yes. But prepare for some seriously awkward conversations. The series actually provides a brilliant conversation starter about digital safety and wellbeing.

The Wake-Up Call We Needed

Let’s be real – ‘Social Studies’ isn’t just another documentary about “kids these days.” It’s a proper wake-up call about the digital wild west our teenagers are navigating daily. And while it might make you want to chuck every smartphone in your house into the Thames, it also offers something rare: hope through understanding.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who remembers the simpler days of MSN Messenger, this series will change how you think about growing up in 2025. Just maybe watch it with a stiff drink handy.

Ready to dive in? ‘Social Studies’ is streaming now on Disney+. And trust me, you’ll want to be part of this conversation. Drop your thoughts in the comments below – what surprised you most about teens’ digital lives?