This study aims to provide insights into the relationship between COVID-19-induced social exclusion and quality of life among adolescents and further examines its underlying mechanism. A total of 2,354 (1,024 boys, M[subscript age] = 12.97 years, SD = 1.49) adolescents from Hubei Province, China, participated in this study. Zero-order correlations and structural equation modelling were performed to test the relationships. Results indicated that COVID-19-induced social exclusion was negatively linked with perceived control over COVID-19 threats and quality of life. Meanwhile, perceived control over COVID-19 threats was positively associated with quality of life and partially mediated the relationship between COVID-19-induced social exclusion and quality of life. The findings have considerable implications for interventions and practices to weaken the harmful impact of COVID-19-induced social exclusion on adolescents. Educators should consider implementing related control-enhancing courses to help adolescents strengthen their defensiveness to endure in the face of future misfortunes and promote positive adolescent development.