Counselling's Role in Preventing the Radicalisation of Young Men- Reflections on Netflix's Adolescence

The Netflix series Adolescence has sparked important conversations about the challenges young people face today, particularly around mental health, social media, and the pressures of growing up in a digital world. The show follows the story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who is arrested for the murder of his classmate, Katie Leonard. But rather than focusing solely on the crime itself, Adolescence explores the deeper issues at play: bullying, toxic masculinity, emotional repression, and the overwhelming influence of social media.

One of the most pressing concerns raised by the series is the vulnerability of boys who feel isolated, rejected, or angry; emotions that can make them susceptible to harmful online communities, such as the incel (involuntary celibate) movement. Incels are an online subculture rooted in extreme misogyny, with narratives that encourage young men to blame women for their struggles and frustrations. Many boys who fall into these spaces are looking for belonging, a sense of identity, or an outlet for deep-seated pain, but instead, they find distorted ideologies that reinforce their suffering and alienation.

This is where counselling can play a vital role. Boys who are at risk of becoming radicalised by incel ideology often feel unheard, unseen, or unworthy in their daily lives. Counselling offers a safe space for them to explore these emotions, helping them unpack feelings of rejection, inadequacy, and anger in a healthy and non-judgemental way. Rather than being pulled into destructive online spaces that validate their pain in toxic ways, they can be guided towards self-understanding and personal growth.

Counselling can help young boys recognise the root of their distress and challenge unhelpful beliefs before they become deeply ingrained. By working on self-esteem, emotional expression, and social connection, therapy can provide alternative narratives that empower rather than embitter. Encouraging emotional intelligence and vulnerability can be transformative, allowing boys to process their struggles without resorting to resentment or hatred.

Additionally, therapy can provide education about healthy relationships, respect, and consent, topics that are often misunderstood or misrepresented in online extremist spaces. It can challenge the 'us vs. them' mentality that fuels incel ideology and instead foster a mindset of connection, mutual understanding, and self-worth.

The conversations sparked by Adolescence show that change is needed, not just in how we approach social media, but in how we support young men in general. Schools, parents, and mental health professionals all have a role to play in equipping boys with the tools they need to navigate adolescence in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming. By fostering introspection and open dialogue, we can help prevent loneliness and frustration from turning into something much darker.

This show has opened the door to some crucial discussions, and it’s up to us to keep them going. What are your thoughts? Have you or your children been affected by any of the issues raised in Adolescence? Let’s talk about how we can create a world where young people feel truly seen, heard, and supported.