Spotting Young Incels: Expert Advice on How to Support Them

MEXICO CITY (apro).— A recent armed attack by a young man on his peers at CCH Sur has highlighted the discussion around online communities of young people who identify as “incels” (involuntary celibates). This term refers to mostly teenage males who express sexual frustration, social resentment, and antagonism towards women.

The incident has raised alarms in schools and among families about how to recognize warning behaviors before they lead to violence or self-harm. A study from the UK government, titled “Predicting Harm Among Incels (Involuntary Celibates)”, points out that most youths participating in these forums are not a terrorist threat but are dealing with severe mental health issues, such as depression, profound loneliness, or suicidal thoughts.

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From Hate Forums to Violent Acts

The attack at CCH Sur, which occurred on October 4, resulted in one student being injured and led to a partial evacuation of the facility. According to preliminary reports, the 17-year-old assailant had posted misogynistic messages and phrases commonly used in incel forums, such as “blackpill” (a fatalistic belief that romantic failure is inevitable) and “looksmaxxing” (obsession with physical appearance).

The local authorities have reported that they are investigating whether the young man was involved in online communities that promote misogyny, isolation, and gender-based violence.

This case recalls previous incidents in Canada and the United States, where men linked to incel forums have committed attacks against women or university spaces. However, the British researchers emphasize that the path to violence is not straightforward: emotional deterioration, not ideology itself, is often the trigger.

Warning Signs at Home and School

The British study, developed by the Commission for Countering Extremism in the UK and analyzed by academics from Swansea University, suggests a preventive approach based on mental health.

Identified warning signs include:

• Severe isolation, withdrawal from friends and activities.
• Use of “blackpill” language, fatalistic views on sexual hierarchy, or constant rejection.
• Misogyny or hate speech towards women.
• Frequent use of incel forum terms like “Chad”, “Stacy” or “rope” (a term associated with suicide).
• Symptoms of depression, loss of interest, sleep or appetite changes, and self-destructive thoughts.

Experts warn that these behaviors should be seen as indicators of distress, not diagnoses or labels. The response, they note, should be psychological and social support, not criminalization.

Approaching a Young Person with Incel Ideologies

• Psychologists recommend starting the conversation from emotional pain, not ideology.
• Ask about discomfort, not beliefs. Rather than debating their ideas, start with questions like: “What’s been hurting you lately?” or “What made you feel this way?”.
• Validate the emotion, not the stance. It’s possible to acknowledge feelings of rejection without endorsing misogynistic beliefs.
• Avoid public debates or social media confrontations. These interactions often reinforce their isolation.
• Seek clinical or institutional support. If there is a risk of self-harm, activate school protocols, call emergency lines, or refer to psychological services.

The report emphasizes that timely intervention can reduce the risk of radicalization or violence and improve the wellbeing of young people.

Recommended Treatments

Experts recommend comprehensive approaches, including psychological therapy, socialization spaces, and, when necessary, medical treatment.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): helps challenge distorted thoughts about rejection or inferiority.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) or mindfulness: to manage frustration and self-criticism.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): for cases of anger or impulsivity.
• Neurodiversity-informed care: adapt communication if conditions like ADHD or autism spectrum are present.
• Community support networks: youth groups, volunteering, and activities that strengthen social belonging.

The report “Predicting Harm Among Incels”, originally published by the UK Home Office, insists that the most effective prevention is not punishment or surveillance, but early detection of emotional distress.

A Perspective of Prevention, Not Persecution

Experts in migration, security, and mental health from the European Union’s Migration and Home Affairs area agree: incel radicalization should not be viewed only as a threat, but as a phenomenon of exclusion, trauma, and lack of emotional skills.

Following the incident at CCH Sur, educators and educational authorities in Mexico are considering psychological support measures and digital education programs that can identify hate speech and address it before it escalates into violence.