The series centres on 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who stands accused of murdering his classmate Katie Leonard. Beyond its crime drama framework, this thought-provoking series examines the complex landscape modern teenagers must navigate, from online radicalisation to cyberbullying and the search for identity.

Perhaps the most chilling aspect of “Adolescence” is its unflinching portrayal of Jamie’s gradual indoctrination into misogynistic online communities. The series expertly depicts how vulnerable teens seeking acceptance can be methodically drawn into toxic spaces through seemingly innocent content at first, before algorithms lead them deeper into extremist ideologies.

The manosphere—a collection of online forums and communities united by misogynistic viewpoints—plays a central role in Jamie’s story. The show provides viewers with a disturbing glimpse into these spaces where:

• Young boys are targeted when they’re most vulnerable

• Normal teenage insecurities become gateways to extremist thinking

• Hateful ideologies are normalised through peer validation

• A dangerous us-versus-them mentality is cultivated

What makes this portrayal particularly powerful is how it shows radicalisation not as an overnight transformation but as a gradual process that happens right under everyone’s noses.

“Adolescence” doesn’t shy away from showing how cyberbullying and relentless social media pressures create perfect conditions for tragedy. The constant connectivity that characterises today’s teen experience means there’s no escape from social hierarchies and peer judgment—what happens in school continues online, and vice versa.

The series portrays a digital environment that many teenagers will recognise, where:

• Reputation can be destroyed with screenshots and shares

• Privacy boundaries are constantly violated

• Social status is quantified and publicly displayed

• Rejection and humiliation can be witnessed by hundreds instantly

This digital intensity forms the backdrop against which Jamie’s story unfolds, reminding viewers that online interactions carry very real psychological—and sometimes physical—consequences.

One of the most haunting elements of “Adolescence” is the portrayal of well-meaning parents who remain oblivious to their child’s inner turmoil. Jamie’s descent occurs right under his family’s nose, highlighting a generational disconnect that many households experience.

For parents watching the series, there are important questions to consider:

• How well do we understand the digital spaces our children inhabit?

• What barriers prevent open communication about online experiences?

• Can we recognise the warning signs of radicalisation or cyberbullying?

• How do we balance respecting privacy with necessary oversight?

• What kind of behaviour are we modelling to our children?

The series doesn’t vilify parents but rather illustrates how easy it is to miss critical warning signs when you don’t know what to look for.

As a men’s and relationship counsellor, I see the themes in “Adolescence” reflected in my clinical practice daily. The series highlights the evolving nature of adolescent psychology in the digital era, where traditional approaches to counselling often fail to address the complex interplay between online influences and offline behaviour.

In my work with men and boys navigating identity challenges, I’ve found that many of the warning signs portrayed in Jamie’s character are unfortunately common:

• Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities and relationships

• Increasing time spent in unmonitored online spaces

• Adoption of concerning language or attitudes toward women

• Resistance to discussing emotional difficulties

My counselling practice is built on the understanding that by helping men work through these challenges effectively, everyone benefits—their partners, their children, their workplaces, and our broader community. When men have healthy outlets and support systems, they’re far less likely to seek validation in toxic online spaces.

As both a men’s counsellor and the founder of The Good Uncle Project (thegooduncleproject.com), I know how critical it is for young men to have access to mentors and examples that counter the destructive messaging they are exposed to online. “Adolescence” powerfully demonstrates what happens when these men lack such guidance and instead turn to toxic online communities for a sense of belonging and identity.

I’ve committed my professional and personal life to working to address the current crisis we are experiencing as a consequence of this issue. Through my counselling practice and volunteer work with local youth organisations, I’ve witnessed firsthand how transformative authentic male connection can be in a young man’s development.

The core of my approach involves:

• Creating safe spaces where men can speak honestly about their struggles

• Leading by example in sharing elements of my own challenges and growth

• Demonstrating that vulnerability and strength can coexist powerfully

• Building networks of support where men uplift rather than compete with each other

Based on my clinical work and community engagement, it includes:

• Emotional intelligence: Men who can identify, express, and process their emotions in constructive ways

• Authentic connection: Building relationships based on mutual respect rather than dominance or competition

• Ethical strength: Using personal power to protect and elevate others, not to control or diminish

• Accountability: Taking responsibility for mistakes and modelling growth through adversity

• Collaborative success: Rejecting lone-wolf narratives in favour of community-minded achievement

• Respect for boundaries: Understanding and honouring consent in all relationships

• Vulnerability as courage: Recognising that asking for help and expressing uncertainty requires strength

In my counselling room, I regularly see how men who embrace these qualities become better partners, fathers, colleagues, and citizens. By healing men, we help heal families and communities.

“Adolescence” isn’t just compelling television—it’s a potential catalyst for critical conversations about masculinity and mental health. In both my counselling practice and community workshops, I use narratives like this to help men see patterns in their own lives and relationships.

For families, mental health professionals, and communities looking to move from passive viewing to active engagement:

• Consider hosting guided discussions about the themes portrayed in the series

• Support initiatives that promote both digital literacy and emotional intelligence

• Advocate for greater mental health resources specifically designed for boys and men

• Create mentorship opportunities that connect teens with positive influences

In my experience working with men across age groups, these conversations work best when they’re non-judgmental and curious rather than prescriptive. I believe that by supporting each other openly and honestly, we can overcome the challenges many men face today, benefiting not just ourselves but everyone in our lives.

The tragic story of Jamie and Katie in “Adolescence” reminds us that preventing such outcomes requires collective effort. My commitment to being a positive influence, stems from my belief that we cannot expect boys to navigate the complexities of modern masculinity without guidance.

Every day in my practice, I see both the cost of isolation and the healing power of connection. When men learn to support each other authentically, they build resilience against the very forces that seek to radicalise vulnerable young men like Jamie.

The series ultimately asks viewers to consider: What world are we creating for our teenagers, and what are we doing—or not doing—that shapes their development? The answers require honest self-reflection and a commitment to action from every sector of society. By working together to support our boys and men, we create a healthier future for everyone.