Web Series pubertymade a major impact by spinning 13-year-old Jamie, who murdered a schoolmate, and shedding light on the complicated, often chaotic teenage journey. With characters that are highly relevant to raw storytelling, the series resonates deeply with younger audiences and tackles themes such as peer pressure, identity struggle, mental health and the overwhelming impact of social media. It not only depicts teenage issues, but also normalizes conversations about issues that are often polished under the carpet, such as anxiety, depression, and perception. Unlike the dramatized high school story, the show captures the quiet battles that teenagers fight every day.
Puberty raised several questions. As Netflix explains, “The fascinating story unfolds in real time as the protagonist, from the central family to the detective investigating crimes – a shocking tragedy that sets out the search for answers.
The series sparks important debate between parents and educators, encouraging a more empathetic approach to teenage issues.
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Adolescents are primarily 12-18 years old and ride roller coasters. It’s a chaotic, thrilling, sometimes terrifying stage where emotions run wild, friendship feels like a lifeline, and every little thing seems like the end of the world. But beneath the surface, many teenagers struggle with deeper emotional battles – anxiety, depression, self-doubt, and constant pressure to meet expectations.
“One of our goals was to ask, ‘What is happening with young men these days, and what pressure they face from their peers, the internet, and social media?” “The Father of the Father in the series, Stephen Graham told Netflix. “And the pressure that comes from all of them is as difficult for the kids here as they do in the world.”
As Deekshaa Athwani, consultant clinical psychologist at Fortis Hospital Mulund, points out, this stage is important for emotional development, and with it there is an overwhelming combination of challenges.
Today’s teenagers navigate a world where academics, social life, and even online presence demand perfection. Pressure to run can lead to burnout, stress and, in some cases, serious anxiety. “Identity formation is one of the biggest struggles youth face,” Aswani says. “They always compare themselves to their peers and social media influencers, leading to lower self-esteem and self-doubt.” In addition to this, hormonal changes naturally cause mood swings. It is not surprising that many young people feel lost in their own emotions.
Academic stress is another heavyweight in a teenage life. The never-ending cycle of exams, grades and pressure to enter a top university can make them feel exhausted and mentally drained. “The fear of failure can be paralyzed,” Aswani says. “Many teenagers feel that their entire future depends on their academic achievements, and that stress can seriously hurt their mental health.”
Then there is a tricky world of friendship, peer pressure and social relationships. For teens, fitting is everything, and the fear of being left behind can push them into dangerous behavior. “Peer pressure can be a double-edged sword,” Aswani explains. “While some friendships provide support, others can guide adolescents and lead them to experiment with substances, unhealthy relationships, or risky behaviors just to seek validation.”
Loneliness is another big issue, and it’s ironic in an era where social media keeps people connected 24/7. Many teenagers feel isolated even when they are always online. “FOMO’s fear of missing out on it — is the real thing,” Aswani points out. “When I see their peers posting the best lives of their paintings, it feels like they haven’t done enough or not enough.
Social media itself plays a major role in shaping adolescent mental health. It provides space for self-expression and connection, but it also brings to the dark side of toxic comparisons, seeking online bullying, validation. “The problem is that social media is a highlight reel,” Aswani says. “Teens are beginning to see edited, filtered versions of people’s lives and believe their lives are boring or inadequate.
Cyberbullying is another concern. The anonymity of online platforms makes it easy for people to post harmful comments. These can have devastating effects on teenage self-esteem. “Some adolescents internalize negativity,” she adds. “They start to believe in humiliation, and over time, it leads to serious self-doubt and even depression.”
And there are sleep factors. As social media keeps them crazy, many teenagers scroll through their feeds late into the night, disrupting their sleep patterns. “Deprived sleep can exacerbate mental health issues,” warns Aswani. “It leads to stimulating, difficult to concentrate, emotional instability, creating a vicious cycle.”
So how do parents and caregivers realize that something is wrong?
Signs of anxiety and depression in teens can be subtle, according to Dr. Bhupinder Kapoor, a professor in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Lovely Professional University. “Look for behavioral changes. Are they withdrawing from the activities they once loved? Dr. Kapoor emphasizes that physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach pains of unknown cause can also be linked to mental health struggles. “Teens don’t always verbalize their pain in words, but their actions will tell stories.”
Perhaps the most surprising signs are emotional numbness, fatigue, or hopeless emotions. “Teens who start expressing their worthless feelings or lose interest in everything need immediate attention,” stresses Dr. Kapoor. “These are the main red flags, and seeking professional help can make all the difference.”
One of the key factors that helps teenagers navigate this turbulent stage is sex education. While this topic is controversial in many parts of the world, experts agree that providing young people with age-appropriate factual information is key to helping them make informed decisions about their health and relationships. “It’s not just about sex education biology,” says Dr. Kapoor. “It’s about understanding relationships in emotional intelligence, consent, respect and healthy ways.”
Lack of proper sex education can make teens vulnerable to misinformation, dangerous behavior, and even abuse. “When youth are not taught about healthy relationships and boundaries, they may end up in a situation where they don’t know how to protect themselves,” explains Dr. Kapoor. “This is why open communication is so important, not just in school, but at home.”
Parents play an important role in shaping how teenagers understand relationships, emotions, and self-worth. “When parents engage in non-judgmental discussions, they create an environment where teens feel safe to ask questions and share their concerns,” adds Dr. Kapoor. “This prevents us from seeking answers from unreliable sources.”
Beyond education, encouraging extracurricular activities is also a game changer for adolescent mental health. Whether sports, music, arts or community service, these activities provide teenagers with essential life skills such as sense of purpose, creative outlets, teamwork and patience. “Extracurricular activities help you channel your emotions positively,” says Dr. Kapoor. “They allow teenagers to explore their passions and build confidence outside of their academic realm.”
At the end of the day, adolescence is tough, but it is also an era of growth, discovery and self-expression. With a proper support system (IT family, friends, or mentors), teenagers can navigate the struggle and come out stronger. “It’s about balance,” Aswani says. “Helping adolescents understand their worth beyond their achievements, social media preferences, or peer validation are key to fostering their mental well-being.”
The teen years may be full of ups and downs, but they don’t have to face them alone. Creating open conversations, promoting healthy habits and providing emotional support makes all the difference in shaping a happier, more confident generation.
