Sir Keir Starmer has warned that the UK faces a new and growing threat as acts of extreme violence are increasingly carried out by angry young men. This shift in violent behaviour has led to discussions on whether the definition of terrorism should be expanded to include attacks perpetrated by isolated individuals radicalised online.

Mental health expert Noel McDermott examines how the nation can better understand this issue by addressing social integration, emotional intelligence, and open communication.

McDermott, a psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience, said: “When I started my practice over 30 years ago, I worked in forensic settings – meaning within the criminal justice system. I worked with disordered patients who had committed serious antisocial, violent crimes, so it is not new for mental health professionals to comment on these issues. The UK has a strong track record in this field, with institutions such as Grendon Prison and Broadmoor Hospital leading in offender rehabilitation.

“The government recently suggested broadening the definition of terrorism to include violent acts committed by isolated young men. The Prime Minister indicated that a new form of threat has emerged – men who are loners and misfits, isolated in their bedrooms and engaging with radical and violent online communities.”

Understanding neurodiverse behaviour

A key challenge in assessing risk is distinguishing between antisocial individuals and those who isolate themselves due to social anxiety or neurodiversity. Many neurodiverse individuals experience social anxiety and avoid contact but are not antisocial. While they may struggle to fit into conventional social settings, they are not inherently a threat.

McDermott explained: “People in this category are far more likely to be victims than perpetrators. The same applies to individuals with mental health conditions such as depression. A person experiencing depression may withdraw from social interaction and become more unwell as a result, but they are not plotting harm against others. Instead, they are more often a risk to themselves.”

The crisis of male suicide

Self-harm and suicide remain the most significant threats to young men. Suicide is the leading cause of death among boys and men, who account for 75% of all suicides in the UK. Many men express psychological distress through anger and social withdrawal, which can lead to cycles of isolation and deepening depression.

McDermott noted: “While some men externalise their distress, many turn it inward. Ultimately, the person most at risk is the man himself.”

Addressing male violence

A subset of young men does pose a societal risk, with anti-social behaviour leading to violent crimes. McDermott highlights the importance of rehabilitation programmes, which, though resource-intensive, have shown success in reducing reoffending. Glasgow’s approach to tackling knife crime, which treated violence as a public health issue, is one such example of effective intervention.

Today, social media platforms amplify extremist ideologies, influencing vulnerable young men. “One of the prominent figures profiting from this landscape is a well-known British citizen currently facing criminal charges abroad,” McDermott added. “For parents and the public, these issues can seem overwhelming, but there are steps we can take to protect our children.”

How to protect our children

• Encourage nuanced discussions. Complexity and diversity are signs of a healthy society. While certain behaviours – such as violence – must never be tolerated, conversations about social issues should remain informed, balanced, and humane.
• Promote social inclusion. Humans are social animals, and isolation often signals distress. Parents should encourage strong, diverse social connections for their children and model inclusive behaviour themselves.
• Foster emotional intelligence. Regular discussions about emotions within families can help children develop resilience. By teaching children to express feelings in words, they are less likely to resort to harmful coping mechanisms such as substance abuse or violence.
• Create a judgement-free environment. Children should feel safe discussing difficult topics. They should also know that seeking guidance from a trusted adult – whether a parent, teacher, or mentor – is encouraged.
• Teach consent and boundaries. Boys must understand the importance of consent, and girls should feel empowered to assert boundaries over their bodies.
• Encourage civic participation. Engaging with society and political discourse in a respectful manner fosters a sense of responsibility and belonging.
• Educate on mental health. Teaching children about mental well-being and the value of vulnerability can help them navigate life’s challenges more effectively.

While the world may seem increasingly difficult for young people, there are clear, actionable steps that families and communities can take to help them navigate these challenges.