It has also highlighted some horrifying issues, that parents of teenagers are becoming concerned about.
Whilst this is a fictional series – and like all police / crime dramas, fails to portray aspects of the criminal justice system accurately. There are some lessons that can be learned and some issues such as cyberbullying, incel culture and knife crime, that provide valuable insights for criminal law solicitors that find themselves representing teenagers.
By delving into these themes, lawyers can better understand the societal and psychological factors influencing youth behaviour, which is crucial for effective legal representation and advocacy.
Cyberbullying
In Adolescence, the protagonist, 13-year-old Jamie Miller, experiences severe online harassment, including being labelled an “incel” by his peers and targeted on social media platforms.
This portrayal underscores the pervasive impact of cyberbullying on young individuals, highlighting how digital platforms can amplify victimisation and contribute to psychological distress.
For criminal law solicitors, this emphasises the importance of recognising the role of online interactions in youth offenses and the necessity of addressing digital evidence in legal proceedings. It can be difficult to understand just how much social media influences young people’s lives if you don’t use social media yourself. Teenagers are very rarely separated from their mobile devices, meaning that social media is a constant influence in their everyday lives.
Incel Culture
The series delves into the “manosphere,” an online subculture where men discuss grievances about women, often leading to misogynistic and extremist views. Jamie’s immersion in this culture illustrates the potential for online radicalisation and its influence on real-world behaviour.
The term ‘incel’ means ‘involuntary celibate’. In its basic form, it describes someone, usually male, who is frustrated by their lack of sexual experiences. It has become increasingly popular internet slang to insult people but is also associated with a radical moment of males that are considered a danger to women due to their radical opinions. There are a number of cases of mass violence and murder in the USA where the perpetrated men have identified themselves as incels or publicly shared their views on male supremacy.
Understanding the dynamics of incel culture is essential for solicitors when assessing motives and psychological states of young offenders influenced by such ideologies. This knowledge can inform defence strategies, and the development of rehabilitation programs aimed at addressing underlying issues.
Knife Crime
Adolescence brings attention to the rising incidence of knife crime among youth, depicting Jamie’s involvement in a fatal stabbing. This reflects concerning trends in real-life.
Knife crime in the UK is a significant concern, with around 50,4500 offences involving a sharp instrument recorded in England and Wales in 2024. The start of 2025 has seen several fatal stabbings involving teenagers making headlines across the country. The Youth Endowment Fund have shared some interesting statistics.
For solicitors, knife crime is something that you all know is on the rise, however, it highlights the need to comprehend the factors leading to youth violence, including societal pressures and online influences, to effectively represent clients and advocate for preventive measures.
By engaging with the themes presented in Adolescence, criminal law solicitors can enhance their understanding of the complex interplay between online cultures and youth behaviour. This awareness is vital for providing informed legal counsel, developing effective defence strategies, and contributing to broader efforts aimed at preventing youth involvement in violent activities.
