Teen Health covers puberty, adolescent mental health, body image, sexual and reproductive health, substance use, and the difficult conversations between parents and teens. Our doctors and editorial team explain what is normal at each adolescent stage, what warrants concern, and how to keep communication open during the years when it matters most.
Last reviewed: 11 August 2026
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Expert answers from our medical team
As teens grow into their own health decisions, part of most check-ups can happen with the doctor alone — usually from around age 13-14. This lets them ask about topics they might not want to discuss with parents in the room: menstruation, sexual health, substance use, mental health, body image. A good teen-friendly doctor keeps parents informed without breaking confidence on ordinary matters.
Mental health issues (anxiety, depression, exam stress), poor sleep, screen and social media impact, poor nutrition alongside rising obesity, road accidents, tobacco and alcohol experimentation, and — for girls — nutritional anaemia. Sexual health information is often patchy or absent. Vaccination gaps (HPV, hepatitis B booster) are also common in this age group.
Yes — ideally between ages 9 and 14, before any sexual activity. HPV vaccination prevents most cervical cancer and a share of other HPV-linked cancers. It's also recommended for boys in the same age range (protects against genital, throat, and anal cancers, and reduces spread). India's Cervavac is now widely available and more affordable than earlier imported vaccines.
Open the door and let them walk through in their own time. Ask specific questions rather than 'How was your day?' — 'What was hard today?' or 'Who did you eat lunch with?' get more real answers. Normalise seeking help: 'If your knee hurt for weeks, you'd see a doctor. Minds work the same way.' Any talk of self-harm, hopelessness, or wanting to disappear needs professional help immediately.
Yes — teenage biological clocks shift later, and they need 8-10 hours of sleep. Sleeping late on weekends and struggling to wake for school isn't laziness; it's biology plus school start times. That said, extreme sleep changes (much more or much less than usual for them) can signal depression, thyroid issues, or other problems — worth a doctor's check if it persists.
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