Jack Thorne, co-writer of Netflix drama Adolescence, has become a prominent campaigner on the dangers posed to children via social media – showing how screenwriters can take a starring role in public affairs.
Speaking to PR Week, John Higginson, CEO of Higginson Strategy says: “Anyone who has seen Jack Thorne’s Netflix hit Adolescence can’t help to realise the power TV still possesses to tell a story well. But it isn’t just entertainment – it mobilises. I have two children in their young teens. In the past week, like thousands of parents across Britain, my wife and I have sat down with them to tell them they are not allowed to have their phones in their bedrooms and social media is banned.
“But it has not just mobilised me as a parent. Adolescence has given the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign the kind of boost all campaigns dream of. Thorne has backed the campaign himself and the Prime Minister last week talked about watching it with his own children during Prime Minister’s Questions.
“Last year’s ITV dramatisation of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal achieved millions in compensation for victims, which years of campaigning has failed to get. From Shakespeare to streaming services, audiences have always rallied behind identifiable victims facing injustice. Successful lobbying campaigns and powerful dramas share the same DNA – they create emotional connections through authentic storytelling.
“The WASPI campaign, which Higginson Strategy supports, has secured hundreds of meetings with MPs and tens of thousands of media stories. But they are yet to be compensated. Their stories contain all the elements of compelling television – injustice, courage and mortality. Perhaps it’s time us lobbyists stopped trying to convince politicians and the public and start aiming our efforts at Britain’s brilliant TV screenwriters.”
Read the full article in PR Week here.