Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is “worried” about the problems facing boys and young men after watching hit Netflix show Adolescence, and is to hold talks with ex-England football manager Gareth Southgate. Sir Gareth, who managed the men’s team, last week warned young men are are spending too much time gaming, gambling and watching pornography.

Sir Keir revealed he had been watching Adolescence with his teenage children, a 16-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl. The hit drama is about a 13-year-old boy played by Owen Cooper accused of murdering a female classmate, and explores the impact of misogynist ideas which are spread over the internet.

Speaking to BBC 5Live, Sir Keir said: “I am worried about this. I have got a 16 year-old-boy and a 14-year-old girl ... we are watching Adolescence with them.

“I do think this is something that we have to take seriously. We have to address. We can’t shrug our shoulders at it.”

He said: “A lot of parents .. recognise that we may have a problem with boys and young men that we need to address.”

Boys and young men may look up to athletes and footballers but they needed male role models in their own schools and local communities, Sir Keir said. He said he had already spoken to Sir Gareth, who also stressed the need for male role models, and planned to have more talks.

“I think it is a time for listening carefully to what Gareth Southgate was saying and responding to it.

“I’ve been in touch with Gareth Southgate. I want to have that further discussion with him. We’ve already had a bit of a discussion about this.”

But he ruled out appointing a “minister for men”, saying “no, I don’t think that’s the answer.”

The series, which starts with the arrest of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played by newcomer Owen Cooper, has been at the top of the most-watched programmes on the streaming website globally and has prompted questions in Parliament.

The limited series, starring Stephen Graham as Jamie’s father, examines so-called incel culture, which has been blamed for misogyny online, and the use of social media in bullying.

Mr Graham nd Jack Thorne, the creators of the TV drama, have accepted an invitation to attend a meeting in Parliament to discuss online safety with MPs.

A Met Police boss has praised Adolescence for shining a spotlight on violence against women.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ben Russell, who leads the Met’s V100 initiative, said: “When TV programmes are serious, thoughtful and address issues that are often unspoken, that can be a significant way to raise attention, public discourse and understanding.”