London Mayor Sadiq Khan Hails ‘Adolescence’ for Having ‘Mainstreamed’ Conversation About ‘Epidemic’ of Violence Against Women

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London Mayor Sadiq Khan commended the role that adolescence played in drawing attention to the issues of women’s safety from violence and the risks associated with social media platforms.

In a conversation with EbMaster during SXSW London’s grand opening, Khan expressed concern about the alarmingly high rate of violence against women and girls in the U.K., referencing data from 2019 and 2020 which indicated that on average, a woman is murdered by a man every three days in the country.

In my perspective as a movie critic, while the filmmaker emphasized the significant role of criminal justice, he underscored its equally crucial depiction within an educational context. He pointed out numerous London-based initiatives, such as programs designed for educators to incorporate into their classroom settings, highlighting these as key components in shaping a holistic understanding of the topic.

He emphasized that it’s crucial for boys to learn about healthy relationships, respecting girls, and cultivating stoicism and resilience. In other words, when they encounter content on platforms like TikTok, social media, or YouTube that depicts inappropriate behavior towards women (such as banter, name-calling, verbal abuse, sexual harassment, violence, abuse, rape, and murder), it becomes clear that such actions are unacceptable. This is why it’s essential to address the issue at every level of its occurrence.

As a movie enthusiast, I must admit I’ve found myself quite frustrated with the general indifference towards certain thematic aspects in films. However, “Adolescence” has been an exception that truly deserves recognition. This film has managed to grab my attention and hold it, which is no small feat given my growing exasperation. Thus, I wholeheartedly commend its creators for their exceptional work.

Stephen Graham’s brilliance should be acknowledged, but Netflix also deserves significant praise, Jack Thorne being one of the key contributors,” he expressed. He added that the discussions surrounding the project, such as those at Parliament with MPs, on sofas and breakfast television, were crucial. These conversations aim to ensure everyone understands this is an ongoing issue, with a commitment to continue addressing it by keeping laws updated to reflect the challenges girls face today.

Khan referenced a The Killers concert he attended several years ago where a woman was upskirted.

Previously, it wasn’t illegal to secretly photograph under a woman’s skirt, but laws have since been updated to make such actions punishable. This gentleman emphasized that women’s experiences often differ from ours, which underscores the importance of empathy and solidarity among men. The book ‘Adolescence’, by making this issue more widespread, has played a significant role in this.

In conversation with EbMaster, Khan reiterated his stance from his speech at SXSW London, emphasizing that London presents a reliable international investment prospect compared to the U.S., which he described as having “uncertainties” and a “politically turbulent atmosphere,” along with an “insular mindset.

From conversations with friends in the United States, I’ve learned they are navigating stormy political seas. In response, I tell them we have something unique in London – an atmosphere that is welcoming, consistent, and diverse, making it ideal for creative industries,” he explained, mentioning that the influx of Americans moving to the U.K. has significantly increased ever since President Trump began his second term.

During the first quarter of this year, a significant number of Americans have been visiting the U.K., especially London, for property viewings and seeking British citizenship. I’ve learned from conversations with people in the film, music, and fashion industries that there is a strong desire to expand their existing operations in London, and many are looking to relocate here.

You may have noticed the apprehension from various sectors in Hollywood regarding some of President Trump’s statements. My point is, London offers a refreshing contrast – a remedy to the negativity. So, consider visiting London.

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2025-06-03 12:16