The widely-acclaimed series ended on a high note, and not without igniting discussions on the often-neglected social issues concerning teenage life.
Social issues, especially those confronted by the young, have been perennially tackled in both mainstream and independent media. That said, it’s hard to say if we’ve seen many shows tackling such issues, with depth and conviction, enough to open conversations on teenage pregnancy, mental health, substance and alcohol abuse, sexual identity, and other similar concerns that continue to plague the youth of today. Not to discredit the efforts and success of previous similar shows, but Senior High is truly something else.
Before its premiere in August, last year, the show initially brought concerns over the strong themes it promised to tackle, Now that it’s off air, we can look back to its entire run on primetime television, and can only say, how beautiful and important show it became. A compellingly-told cautionary tale, Senior High served a stark warning. but also an encouragement and a promise, not just to the young audience, but also parents.
Throughout its four month-run, Senior High touched topics that remain today as the most pressing issues troubling teenagers and their families. With the rise of social media and the advent of technology, whose negative impacts only amplify those issues, the timing of Senior High‘s arrival can not be thoroughly discounted. If anything, it deserves the utmost of praises and commendation. Beyond the power of its stellar acting ensemble, the series is worthy of appreciation for its boldness, grittiness, and brilliance, in depicting the most relevant issues our young people confront today.
SEXUAL ABUSE/MOLESTATION.
A focal point in Senior High‘s plot was the sexual abuse perpetrated by several powerful personalities in the prestigious Northford High, where twins, Luna and Sky Cruz (Andrea Brillantes), study. Similar concerns radiated around such issue, with Sky becoming front and center in addressing them and exposing them to the public. The series, through the maneuver of its directors (Onat Diaz, Andoy Ranay, Jojo Saguin, Rico Navarro), took on the subject with thorough sensibility and profoundness, exploring it in a way would truly understand its danger and its consequences, if left unresolved.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Addiction to social media often led to different irreversible results, which may bring far worse issues that demand bigger and more effective resolution. In Senior High, it was shown as a powerful way to bully, shame, and destroy everyone, their confidence, even reputation. It was a key tool for some major characters in the show, in exposing the misdeeds of some officials, as well as students in Northford High. At the same time, it was also used by the Aguerro kids in targeting students they consider ‘weaklings’, including Luna and Sky.
PEER PRESSURE.
The dangers of peer pressure have long been regarded as among the biggest problems faced by teenagers. It is the reason why Luna Cruz tried to hard to fit in Northford’s richest circles, including the one comprised by siblings Z (Daniela Stranner) and Archie (Elijah Canlas). Ultimately, such a choice cost her life, serving of a reminder about the irreversible consequences of peer pressure.
SEXUALITY AND GENDER IDENTITY.
Queer movies and TV shows, even regular media, have long touched the issues of sexual orientation and coming out, and yet, it seems more efforts are needed to raise the level of acceptance and respect towards the LGBTQIA+ community and its struggles, to a higher level. Told through the remarkable performances of Zaijian Jaranilla and Miggy Jimenez, sexuality and gender identity were tackled with so much sensitivity and clarity in Senior High, highlighting the love formed between people of the same gender, and the process of self-acceptance.
MENTAL HEALTH.
Mental health is an an issue that affects almost everybody, but especially teenagers. According to studies, one of the biggest factors behind mental health problems is the overuse of social media and electronic devices, among teenage population. One of its most common forms, depression, was told in Senior High, through a number of characters in the show, including Luna and Z, who are played with exceptional brilliance by young actors, Andrea Brillantes and Daniela Stranner, respectively.
GROOMING.
To many, grooming is a foreign subject that needs to be carefully examined and explained. According to experts, grooming is when someone builds a relationship and emotional connection with young people, so they can control them and benefit from them sexually, and other similar manners. Through Governor William Acosta (Mon Confiado) and Z, Senior High had some introduction of the subject, but there are spaces left unfilled in its pursuit of shedding light upon it. That said, the show accomplished its goal of opening the conversation about such delicate subject.
TEENAGE SEX.
Pre-marital or teenage sex have many consequences, including unwanted pregnancy and sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). It’s a practice perpetually-told with beauty and clarity in Senior High, through a number of characters in the show, including Xyriel Manabat’s Roxy and Elijah Canlas’ Archie. The subject was also touched through Luna, who died in the series, with baby in her womb.
TEENAGE SUICIDE.
Suicidal rate among teenagers in the Philippines was recorded at 2.5 per 100,000 in 2019. It remain prevalent today, with experts tracing its roots to bullying, social media, and depression. Similar causes triggered the causes of some characters in the show, including that of Z, who nearly killed herself over guilt and shame.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE.
Drug addiction and alcohol use are some of the common adolescent problems tackled in Senior High, and Northford High, given its status as an elite school for the rich, is a perfect venue to explore the subjects. The sure did so with utmost sensitivity, exploring its repercussions that can be irreversible and distractive to a lot of young people.
BULLYING.
Bullying, may it be traditional bullying or cyberbullying, remain a prevalent problem in many places and platforms, including and social media. Senior High dealt with the subject through the ultra-rich Aguerros, showing it as mostly the pitfalls of affluence and influence, especially in an elite school like Northford. The show established profound connection with other subjects such as depression and suicidal tendency, and showcased the dangers they may present if not properly attended.
What are your major takeaways from the series, and are there other pressing issues faced by the youth you believe should also be included in the list? Don’t forget to hit the comment section to share what you think.
