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How occupational therapy could help teens like Jamie from Netflix's Adolescence
- Schoen Clinic UK
- Apr 23
- 5 min read
A specialist reacts to Netflix’s hit crime drama and shares how Occupational Therapy (OT) offers hope to young people in crisis
*** This article contains major spoilers for the show ***
Netflix’s critically acclaimed crime drama Adolescence has struck a chord with audiences across the UK. The four-part mini-series tells the harrowing story of Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy charged with the murder of a female classmate - a crime that shocks his community and exposes the darker realities of digital culture, adolescent loneliness and emotional neglect.
But as viewers try to make sense of Jamie’s actions, many are left with the same question: what could have helped him before it was too late?
We spoke to Michelle Knowles, a Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist at Schoen Clinic Chelsea, to explore how occupational therapy might offer a lifeline to vulnerable teens like Jamie - supporting their mental health, identity development, emotional regulation and ability to find meaning and connection in the world around them.
If you need mental health support for a child or young person, please don't hesitate to contact our team in London.
What is Adolescence about?
Directed by Philip Barantini and created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, Adolescence unfolds in four intense episodes, each filmed in a single continuous shot. The format mirrors the unrelenting nature of the storyline: Jamie is arrested, interrogated, and remanded in custody after the death of a classmate. But the series is less concerned with legal outcomes and more focused on the psychological and emotional journey of a child lost in a world he doesn’t know how to navigate.
Themes of online radicalisation, incel subculture, toxic masculinity and social rejection run through every frame. Jamie’s life is shaped not solely by real-world relationships, but by the isolating realms of social media. He is rejected by peers, misunderstood by adults and manipulated by toxic online communities. The result is a deeply unsettling portrait of a boy in crisis, the murder of a young girl, and a society unsure how to intervene.
Digital lives, real consequences: supporting online wellbeing
One of the show’s central messages is how profoundly digital life can shape a young person’s mental health. Jamie spends most of his time online, engaging in forums and content that reinforce his feelings of anger, shame, and rejection. He’s immersed in a world where dangerous ideologies thrive and healthy human connection is scarce.
“Occupational therapists can support young people affected by social media by helping them develop critical digital literacy,” says Michelle Knowles. “That includes identifying and managing online risks like cyberbullying and radicalisation, and developing strategies to protect their mental health.”
Occupational therapists don’t just offer advice, they actively help young people reshape their digital habits. From managing screen time and setting boundaries to exploring mindfulness techniques and self-reflection tools, occupational therapy helps young people like Jamie take back control of their online lives.
“We also help young people build more balanced relationships with technology, encouraging time away from screens through meaningful offline activities that reflect their interests,” adds Michelle.
Reconnecting with the real world: the power of meaningful activity
Jamie’s social world is almost entirely virtual. He has no stable friendships outside of Ryan, and little engagement in meaningful hobbies or group activities. In contrast, occupational therapy is rooted in the idea that purposeful engagement can restore wellbeing.
“OTs work with young people to identify offline interests that give them a sense of identity and mastery,” Michelle explains. “This could be anything from sports and music to volunteering or creative arts.”
These aren’t just distractions, they’re therapeutic tools. Through shared experiences and structured goal-setting, teens begin to rebuild confidence and develop social skills.
“We guide them in setting personal goals around face-to-face interaction, helping them build the confidence to form real-world friendships and social networks,” says Michelle.
By doing so, occupational therapists help young people move from passive consumers of online content to active participants in their own lives.
Identity, exclusion & belonging: helping teens make sense of themselves
In Adolescence, Jamie’s journey is shaped by profound rejection. His social exclusion and emotional immaturity leave him vulnerable to online communities that provide a distorted sense of identity and belonging. For many teens in real life, this experience is all too familiar.
“OTs can help young people develop resilience and self-esteem through activities that promote achievement and personal growth,” Michelle says. “When teens are drawn to harmful subcultures, we use structured activities like journaling, creative expression, and life skills training to help them explore their values and make more positive identity choices.”
Occupational therapists also help reframe negative self-talk and build social confidence. In Jamie’s case, early intervention might have involved helping him reflect on his strengths, explore safe social spaces, and identify mentors or peers who support rather than exploit him.
Emotional regulation: teaching the skills Jamie never learned
One of the most heartbreaking elements of Adolescence is how emotionally unequipped Jamie is to cope with rejection, shame, or anger. His inability to process emotions or express himself safely ultimately leads to a catastrophic act of violence.
“OTs teach young people to recognise their emotional triggers and practice healthy coping strategies,” Michelle explains.“We might use mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, or role-playing scenarios to help teens manage intense feelings.”
These techniques are not about suppressing emotion, but about giving young people tools to understand it, communicate it, and respond without harm to themselves or others. In secure units, where some teens like Jamie may end up, occupational therapists play a critical role in rehabilitation.
“We engage them in purposeful, structured activities that provide emotional outlets like sports, creative projects, and group discussion to support long-term change,” Michelle adds.
Supporting families in the aftermath
Jamie’s parents are shattered by the events of Adolescence, unable to understand how they lost sight of their son until it was too late. But in real life, occupational therapy can support families facing similar crises, helping them make sense of what’s happened and how to move forward.
“We support families in adjusting to life-altering events, offering guidance on emotional wellbeing, communication, and coping strategies,” says Michelle.“That might include helping them understand how to support their child’s rehabilitation, or how to cope with their own grief and guilt.”
OTs also work to bridge generational gaps, particularly when parents and children exist in completely different digital worlds. This can involve educating parents about online culture, improving communication strategies, and co-creating routines that support connection and mental health at home.
Positive peer influence: shifting the narrative around belonging
Jamie’s sole companion in Adolescence is Ryan, whose passive complicity contributes to Jamie’s decline. It’s a painful reminder that peer influence - good or bad - can shape a young person’s trajectory.
“OTs help young people explore the impact of peer pressure and practice skills like assertiveness, decision-making, and conflict resolution,” Michelle explains.
This might involve role-playing difficult conversations, analysing social scenarios, or identifying red flags in relationships. But crucially, OTs also guide young people towards positive peer networks - spaces where they can experience genuine support, shared values, and a sense of belonging.
“We introduce them to community projects, social clubs, or volunteering opportunities that align with their interests,” Michelle adds. “We’re helping them replace harmful subcultures with healthy ones.”
Final thoughts: early intervention saves lives
Adolescence doesn’t offer easy answers but it does offer a sobering look at what happens when a young person slips through the cracks. Michelle Knowles believes occupational therapy can be a powerful tool for prevention and recovery.
“No one wakes up one day and commits a violent act without a backstory. What Jamie needed was early intervention and urgent help. Occupational therapy offers that help by meeting young people where they are, and guiding them to a place where they can thrive.”
Learn more about occupational therapy today, book an appointment with Michelle Knowles, or simply contact our team in London to find out more information on how we can support you or your child's mental health. Our diverse and dedicated team of specialists is here to help.
