Highest-Priority Actions for Teenagers, 13 to 18
If you only do five things in this stage, do these.
Calcium, about 1,000 mg a day
About 3 servings of milk, curd or paneer, plus ragi and greens.
Phones out of the bedroom at night
Charge all phones in a shared room, parents included.
Ask about their mood, directly
Asking about suicide does not put the idea in their head.
Online safety: don't pay, don't delete, tell
For blackmail or fake images, report at 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
HPV vaccine
One free dose for girls at 14. IAP advises one dose for girls aged 9 to 15.
Every Step by Timeline Order
Calcium, about 1,000 mg a day
About 3 servings of milk, curd or paneer, plus ragi and greens.
Talk about periods and puberty
See a doctor if there is no period by 15, or periods are very heavy or painful.
Phones out of the bedroom at night
Charge all phones in a shared room, parents included.
Ask about their mood, directly
Asking about suicide does not put the idea in their head.
Online safety: don't pay, don't delete, tell
For blackmail or fake images, report at 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
Agree social media rules together
Apps set 13 as the minimum. Start with one app, private account, friends you know.
Talk about alcohol, tobacco and vapes
Calm facts, your family rule, and a way out of any party.
Teach consent and respect
Yes means yes. Anyone can change their mind. No one is owed anything.
Explain the law on consent: it is 18
Under POCSO, any sexual act with someone under 18 is a crime, even with 'consent'.
No driving before a licence
If a minor drives, the parent can be jailed for up to 3 years.
HPV vaccine
One free dose for girls at 14. IAP advises one dose for girls aged 9 to 15.
Explore careers through real people
Talk to people in jobs they are curious about before choosing a stream.
Aadhaar biometric update at 15
Fingerprints and photo update at an Aadhaar centre.
Exam years: sleep, spacing and a plan B
Self-testing, spaced revision, 8 hours of sleep and exercise.
Plan for results day
Say "a mark is not a verdict" before the result. Lock away pesticides and medicines. Save 14416.
Learner's licence and road rules
Gearless learner's licence at 16 with your consent. Full licence at 18.
Td vaccine at 16
Free at government centres.
Check scholarships before Class 12 results
Central Sector Scholarship, Odisha e-Medhabruti and PM-Vidyalaxmi loans.
Education loan? Note the tax deduction
Interest on the loan is deductible for up to 8 years under section 129.
What Elders Suggest vs What Medicine Says
We honor caring tradition while keeping mothers and children medically safe.
Tuition culture
Traditional / NeutralHarmful when it eats into sleep or play.