Whenever someone says “year-end reflection,” most teens imagine sitting with a notebook, staring into space, and suddenly remembering every awkward thing they did since January. Some imagine a teacher saying, “Write five goals for the new year,” and instantly feel the urge to sleep. Others picture a motivational video telling them to wake up at 5 am, drink green juice, and become a new person on 1st January.

This article is not going in any of those directions.

Reflection does not have to feel like homework or emotional pressure. It can actually be gentle and even slightly funny. Think of it like a small puzzle where you are not trying to solve your entire life. You are only picking a few pieces and noticing how they fit into your year.

Here is a calm, step-by-step, overthinker friendly guide to looking back at your year before 2026 arrives.

Step 1: Small wins only rule

Most people begin reflecting by thinking of everything they did not do. Did not top the class. Did not keep up with morning workouts. Did not stop procrastinating. Did not magically become less awkward in front of a crush.

Here, we ignore all of that. We focus only on tiny wins that actually happened.

Maybe you finally cleaned your school bag after months of pretending it was fine. Maybe you survived a group project without fighting with the bossy classmate. Maybe you remembered to drink water on your own. Maybe you learned how to do something small that used to scare you. These small wins are important because they show real growth, not social media style achievements.

Reflection becomes more enjoyable when the goal is simply to notice the little things that made your year feel brighter.

Step 2: The three moments of choice

You do not need to choose your best memories or your most productive ones. Just three moments that stayed in your mind.

Maybe you laughed so hard with a friend that your stomach hurt. Maybe you cried but felt supported afterward. Maybe you ate something so spicy that you questioned every life decision. Maybe someone said something kind that you still think about.

These small pieces of the year tell a much more honest story than big achievements. They remind you that your year was full of feelings, experiences, and moments that made you a little more you.

Step 3: The one thing you learned by accident

Life teaches you things even when you are not trying to learn. These lessons do not need to sound smart or deep.

It could be something as simple as realising that sleeping at 2 am every day is not a personality trait. Or that you do not need to reply to every message instantly. Or that some friendships feel lighter when you stop trying so hard. Or that getting a dramatic haircut during exams is never a good idea.

Even one simple lesson can make your year feel meaningful.

Step 4: Something that felt heavy 

Every year has something that feels heavy. Maybe it was exam pressure. Maybe it was a friendship drama. Maybe it was stress at home. Maybe it was loneliness. Maybe it was just the feeling of being overwhelmed for no clear reason.

Naming the heavy things is not about reliving them or trying to solve them. It simply helps you recognise what used up your energy. Once you see it clearly, you walk into the new year with slightly more understanding of yourself.

There is nothing to fix here. Only something to gently notice.

Step 5: Something you want more of

This is not a goals list. This is not a resolutions list. This is not a punishment list for everything you failed to do.

This is one quiet question. What do I want more of next year

Maybe more sleep. Maybe more laughter. Maybe more calm mornings. Maybe more confidence in speaking up. Maybe more time with people who make you feel like yourself. Maybe more kindness toward your own mistakes.

Choosing what you want more of is a softer and kinder way to guide your next year.

The grand finale

Some years are for thriving. Some years are for learning. Some years are for surviving. All three deserve recognition.

School, friendships, exams, crushes, moods, expectations, disappointments, and unexpected joys all happened in one year. And somehow you moved through all of it. That is not a small thing. That is something to celebrate quietly and honestly.

Reflection is not about being perfect. It is not about proving anything. It is simply about noticing your life. You do not need to enter 2026 as a completely new person. You can step into it as the same person you already are but with a little more understanding, a little more softness, and a little more space to grow at your own pace.

Last year on Diwali, the loudest thing in my house wasn’t the crackers outside, it was my cousin Rohan screaming because someone cheated in cards. My nani was yelling from the kitchen, “Do NOT enter the house with your slippers on!” My uncle was showing off his “scientific technique” to light rockets safely and then promptly burning his eyebrows.

It was chaos. It was crazy. It was home.

But this year? It’s different.

No cars lining up outside. No cousins fighting for the good mattress. No smell of burnt chaklis or over-fried gulab jamuns. Just… a quiet house with fairy lights trying their best to glow like nothing’s wrong.

My phone wasn’t exploding with “Aaj ka plan kya hai?” messages. Instead, it was full of “Sorry yaar, can’t come this time.”

Rohan shifted to Bangalore for college. My bua’s family has some “issues” going on, so they’re skipping this year. And my little brother, who once danced like a malfunctioning robot to every Diwali song, now had only one plan – a gaming tournament at 8PM. Do Not Disturb.

I tried to distract myself. I helped mom clean, I hung the lantern outside, I even arranged diyas like Instagram aesthetic reels… but midway through, I just stopped. I stood on the balcony yesterday, fairy lights shining around me, and for the first time ever… It didn’t feel like Diwali.

Was it just me? Was I being dramatic? Do festivals stop feeling festive when we grow up? Or was this what everyone secretly felt but never admitted?

The conversation

I didn’t say anything to anyone, but my mom noticed. Moms have that superpower. 

She walked in with a box of diyas and paused. “Tu theek hai na?” 

I tried to fake it. “Yeah yeah, just tired.”

She raised an eyebrow. Moms can sniff lies better than dogs sniff biscuits.

After a moment, I sighed. “It just… doesn’t feel like Diwali. I thought festivals were supposed to be fun. But this time I’m just… not feeling it.”

She didn’t give me a lecture. She didn’t say “Be grateful! At least we’re together!” No emotional blackmail. Instead, she sat beside me and quietly said: “You know, when I was your age, I felt exactly like this.”

That surprised me. Moms feeling like us? Rare content.

She continued, “One year, everyone got busy. No relatives came. The house was clean, food was cooked, lights were on… but my heart felt switched off. For a moment I thought,  maybe Diwali is only fun when you’re small.”

I looked at her. “So what did you do?”

She smiled slightly. “I cried a little. Then I got angry. Then I got up… and decided if the old Diwali wasn’t coming back, I’d make a new one. I invited the neighbours for tea, played music loudly, made laddoos with Papa. Guess what? It was different. But it was still Diwali.”

It wasn’t easy but I decided to take charge of Diwali myself. 

I picked up my phone and texted my cousins:

“9PM. Video call. Ludo or Truth-or-Dare. Don’t be boring.”

Rohan sent five skull emojis and a “Loser will do a Diwali dance challenge.” Accepted.

I barged into my brother’s room and declared, “We’re making a new Diwali playlist. EDM meets Aarti version.” He rolled his eyes but secretly smirked.

Then I sat outside and started making a rangoli, not perfectly, not beautifully. Just honestly.

And you know what?

The silence didn’t go away. But it didn’t feel lonely anymore.

If you’re feeling this too…

Maybe your Diwali looks different this year.
Maybe fewer people. Maybe someone is missing. Maybe you are in a new place, trying to smile when your heart isn’t fully there.

It’s okay.

Festivals don’t stop being special just because they’ve changed. Sometimes… they’re just waiting for us to grow into a new version of them.

So if this Diwali feels different. Light your diyas anyway. Call your people anyway. Laugh even if it’s quieter.

Because Diwali isn’t only about who’s around you.

It’s also about the light you decide to keep inside you.

Happy Yours-Your-Way Diwali.

Dear Diary,
I’m not even being dramatic when I say that literally everyone I know is on vacation right now. EVERYONE. The school WhatsApp group is filled with “Guess where I am?” messages, and every time I open Instagram, I see some classmate living their best beach life while I’m here — in my room, in my pajamas, eating leftover rajma chawal.

Neha is in Kerala posing with elephants and waterfalls. Aarav is on a houseboat, being all “sunsets and peace vibes”. Don’t even get me started on Isha — her entire story is just one long montage of her Goa trip. Sun, sea, pool selfies, and her new “vacay OOTDs” every five seconds.

And now… brace yourself… two of my classmates are in Europe. EUROPE, Diary. One is doing a “Europe in 10 days” trip — Eiffel Tower one day, gondola in Venice the next. I mean, I didn’t even know you could pack that much into one trip. The other one posted a story from Amsterdam today and just casually added “Next stop: Paris” like it’s no big deal.

And me? Well, I’m currently sitting on the floor of my room because my bed is covered in unfolded laundry. 

I won’t lie,  I’ve been feeling a lot of pressure. Not from my parents or teachers, but from social media. It’s like if you’re not on a mountain, beach, or some cobblestone European street right now, you’re not doing summer “right.” Every scroll just reminds me that I have no fancy plans. Zero. Zilch. Not even a weekend getaway.

At this point, even the fridge is judging me. Every time I open it for a cold drink or a snack, it’s like, “Back again? Don’t you have a life?”

BUT (surprisingly), something shifted. The first few days were full of boredom and FOMO. But slowly, I started enjoying the stillness. I picked up that novel Ma had been begging me to read, and I’m actually hooked. It’s like entering a whole new world — no passport needed.

I also tried cooking something other than instant noodles. Attempted banana pancakes (they looked like weird blobs but tasted okay-ish) and even helped Dad with his new chai experiment. Spoiler alert : we added tulsi, and now he thinks he’s a tea sommelier or something.

And Nani, she surprised me with a story about her childhood crush! Apparently, a boy used to cycle past her gali every day just to get a glimpse of her. Who knew Nani had her own little Bollywood romance?

Sure, I still feel a huge pang of jealousy when I see vacation posts. But I’ve realized that sometimes, doing “nothing” is kind of a vibe. I’ve had slow mornings, long naps, and random creative bursts. I even painted for the first time in months!

So while my summer didn’t include passports, flights, or photogenic brunches, it did include something kinda rare in this teenage life, peace. And that’s not bad at all.

Would I swap it all for a trip to Italy? Probably.
But until then, I’m learning to enjoy my staycation.

Till next time,
Your not-on-vacay but calm for the first time,
– Me

Would you like to share your feelings with TeenBook? Send us your thoughts in the comments box! Remember, not to put any personal information in the comment box.

Hey there! So, you got the news about your midterms, huh? Well, grab a seat and lend me your ear, because your favourite trusted adult, Disha, is here to dish out some much-needed wisdom, sprinkle a little motivation, and get you back on track.

It’s just one exam

First off, let’s tackle the big picture: failing a midterm might sting a bit, but trust me, it’s far from the end of the world. Think of it as a speed bump on the highway of your academic journey. Take a deep breath and repeat after me: “It’s just an exam, not the end of my studies or the world, for that matter.” Got it? Perfect.

Reflect and regroup

Now, let’s dive into the deep end and talk about learning from the past. Every stumble is an opportunity to grow and learn. So, take a moment to reflect on what tripped you up. Were you putting off studying? Did you struggle with certain concepts? Identify the obstacles, and then formulate a plan to conquer them in the future.

It’s okay to seek help 

Next, it’s time to level up for the upcoming exams. Roll up your sleeves, study smarter, and give it your all. And hey, don’t shy away from having a heart-to-heart with mom and dad about it. They’re your biggest cheerleaders, even if they dish out a bit of tough love.

So, things may have gone a tad off course this time around. It’s a common pitfall, nothing to beat yourself up over. Perhaps it’s worth considering some extra support, like tuition classes asking your mom/dad to teach you or joining study groups. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

And don’t forget to touch base with your teachers. Assure them that you’re committed to bouncing back and ask for their guidance. They’ll appreciate your initiative and dedication to improving.

You’ve got this!

Now, let’s talk attitude. Your mindset can make or break your success. Keep your chin up, stay positive, and give it your all. Remember, you’re capable of achieving greatness, and this setback is just a stepping stone on your path to success.

Understanding over grades

And here’s a nugget of wisdom: don’t get bogged down by the nitty-gritty details. Focus on understanding the subjects and putting forth your best effort. The grades will follow suit.

To sum it up: learn from your missteps, put in the work, seek support when needed, and maintain a positive outlook. You’ve got this, champ! Now go out there and show those exams who’s boss!

And remember, if you ever need a pep talk or some friendly advice, you know where to find me. I’ve got your back, always. Keep pushing forward, and don’t ever doubt yourself. Peace out!

#AskDisha is an advice column run by the editorial team at TeenBook India. The advice given in the columns is science-based but general in nature. Parents and adolescents should seek help from a professional or expert for specific concerns or issues.

Dear Diary,

I heard somewhere that not everyone is down because of breakups with a boy or a girl. Some may not be okay because of problems they can’t even share or don’t know exist.

Most of our sadness seems to hide in our unconscious mind. We don’t always know why we’re sad, but we are. It’s like sadness is on its way, so we keep getting ready for it by staying quiet. It’s weird, isn’t it? 

We all want to make our lives look as beautiful as possible, but what if we romanticise our emotions too? Our emotions, whether it’s happiness, sadness, or anxiety, none of them are bad. Sometimes, we don’t even know how we’re feeling. When I’m anxious, my hands shake, and I think it’s just a way of expressing those hidden emotions deep inside me. It’s a form of expression.

Too sad to talk and smile

Once, I was feeling down, and it felt like everyone was talking about me behind my back, making fun of me and my loneliness. They asked me why I’m always sad and not having fun like others. I felt terrible about myself, like I was the worst person ever just because I was too sad to talk and smile like everyone else. I still don’t know how to express myself and laugh like others, and I still get blamed for no reason. I still feel so small in front of those who seem so perfect.

But are they really happy, or are they just pretending? Of course, they’re pretending, but then I wonder, why make fun of those who aren’t okay? Is it wrong to be depressed? Is it bad not to be okay? Do they want me to pretend and hide my true feelings?

Yeah, they want to talk about something, but not this. They see themselves as superior, even though they’re also hurting inside but just not showing it.

“You’ll be fine!”

In today’s world, where every little issue is raised, why not talk about mental health? Why do they call me foolish or an idiot when I say I’m not doing well? Why do they feel sorry for me? Why does my family brush it off and say, “You’ll be fine tomorrow,” when I say I’m depressed, but they rush me to the doctor when I have a fever but not when I’m not okay?

How can we expect everyone to be healthier when we don’t even talk about it?

Confidence is not about being strong 

But here’s what I can say, Diary: there’s so much more to life than what we eat or where we think we might be. Just be true to yourself. Confidence isn’t always about being strong and facing everything head-on. Confidence can also be found in being humble and quiet. We don’t have to know everything to be confident. We don’t need to bring others down to feel superior. We don’t need to fake anything.

Just connect with your true essence, and say what you genuinely feel. Everyone is trying to make up for something, but I’m making myself. Find all the unique gifts that make you, cherish them, and learn what you don’t know. Stay kind and authentic because when you’re true to yourself, you become unique and exquisite.

Yours truly,

Saloni

Names have been changed. This article has been authored by a member of our TeenBook Advisory Board (TAB). To learn more about what TAB is and how to join, please click here. 

To learn more about this, check out this video below:

Create a study plan

One of the most effective ways to prepare for exams is to create a study plan. Start by reviewing your course syllabus and exam schedule. Then, create a schedule that allocates your study time based on the topics you need to review, how much time you have until the exam, and your personal study preferences. Divide your time between subjects and topics based on your strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you are strong in math, allocate less time to it, and more time to a subject that you find challenging.

Take breaks and manage time

While it may be tempting to study for long hours, it is important to take breaks regularly to avoid burnout. Plan short breaks during your study session to relax, stretch or meditate. Additionally, make the most of your time by prioritizing the most important tasks. For example, if you have a test on Monday and a project due on Friday, prioritize studying for your test over working on your project.

Get enough sleep and exercise 

Taking care of your physical health is essential for exam success. Make sure you get enough sleep, and aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night, as this can help you feel more energized and focused during your exams. Additionally, exercise regularly, even if it’s just a quick walk around your neighbourhood. Exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can help you perform better in exams.

Don’t compare yourself to others

Comparing yourself to others can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. Remember that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and we all progress at different paces. Focus on your own progress and work on improving your own abilities. Additionally, avoid comparing your exam scores with your classmates, as it can create unhealthy competition and make you feel more stressed.

Stay positive

Believing in yourself and your abilities is essential for exam success. Stay positive and remind yourself that you can achieve your goals with hard work and determination. Additionally, focus on the progress you’ve made so far and avoid dwelling on the mistakes you’ve made. If you’re struggling with a particular topic, seek help from your teachers or tutors.

Practice relaxation techniques 

Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation through yoga are all great ways to help you manage stress and anxiety during exams. Practice these techniques daily, so you are familiar with them when a panic attack occurs. Practising them daily also builds our body’s capacity to deal with stressful situations. 

Identify the triggers 

Panic attacks are a common occurrence during exams, and it is essential to know how to manage them. If you know what triggers your panic attacks, you can prepare for them in advance. For example, if you know you get nervous during timed exams, practice taking practice tests under timed conditions to help you get comfortable with the time pressure. 

If you are scared of a particular subject such as maths, and these attacks happen only during that particular exam, then prepare for the subject way before the exam and seek external help. Do a lot of practice sheets and take many timed exams and get them checked by someone. Sleep enough and eat something before the exam day. 

Visualize a positive outcome 

Visualizing a positive outcome can help you feel more confident and less anxious during exams. Close your eyes and imagine yourself successfully completing the exam, and receiving a good grade. This can help you feel more optimistic and less anxious during the exam.

Seek help 

If you are experiencing severe anxiety or panic attacks during exams, which hinder you from performing or is making you fall sick, don’t be afraid to seek help. Talk to your parents, teachers, or a mental health professional to help you develop strategies to manage your anxiety.

 Exams can be a source of stress and anxiety, but with the right strategies, you can perform well. Best of luck! 

Photo: Shutterstock/Shyamalamuralinath/Person in the photo is a model/Names changed.

Do you have any questions that are bothering you? Share with us in the comments box below. Remember no rude words or personal information in the comment box! 
Listen to this podcast –

Hey Siya! First off, huge props to you for thinking about your mental health. It’s super important, and you’re already on the right track by reaching out!

You are not alone

Let me share a little story. There was a time when I felt like everything was out of control. My grades were slipping, my friendships felt shaky, and I was just overwhelmed. But I found some tricks that helped me bounce back. So, let’s dive into some fun ways to keep your mind happy and healthy! 

Breathe in, breathe out 

I know words like meditation and mindfulness look like big words, don’t get scared. Ever tried sitting quietly and just breathing? I know it sounds boring, but trust me, it works wonders! Videos or audios on YouTube and Spotify can guide you through it. Once, I used this spotify playlist before a big exam, and it totally calmed my nerves. Just 10 minutes of focusing on your breath can make a huge difference!

Stress-busting techniques like deep breathing or visualizing calm scenes can work wonders. I learned a simple deep breathing exercise that I use before exams or when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Close your eyes, breathe in for four counts, hold for four, and breathe out for four. Try it—instant calm!

Get moving 

The next tip is moving. Think exercise is just for fitness freaks? Nope! It’s great for your mind too. I started dancing around my room when I felt stressed, and it was a blast. Dancing, jogging, or even a brisk walk can release those happy chemicals called endorphins. Once, I joined a Zumba class, and it was like an instant mood booster!

Dear diary…

Yes, we have one on our Instagram but I want you to try this trick to control your feelings. Ever tried writing down your thoughts? When you feel that your brain  is going to explode, pen down your thoughts. I often write about my day, my dreams, and even doodle. It’s like talking to a friend who listens without judging. Give it a try, and you’ll see how much lighter you feel!

Whether it’s drawing, painting, or playing music, being creative is a great outlet. I once painted a picture of my dog, and it felt so good to express myself. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it’s just about getting those feelings out. Plus, you might discover a hidden talent!

Talking to friends

Whenever you are feeling down, talking to friends and family can be super comforting. There was a time when I was freaking out about my Math test marks. My friend and I had a movie night, and just talking things through made everything seem less scary. Don’t underestimate the power of a good chat with someone who cares.

Structured routine, even for sleep

I know, routines sound boring, but they really help. During the lockdown, I made a daily schedule, and it gave me a sense of normalcy. Try setting regular times for sleep, meals, schoolwork, and fun activities. It can really help manage anxiety and keep your mood steady.

At the same time, don’t forget that sleep is crucial! I used to stay up late scrolling through my phone, and it made me so cranky. Now, I have a bedtime routine—no screens an hour before bed, a warm shower, and a good book. It’s like magic for your mood and energy levels!

Limiting exposure to triggers

Sometimes, it’s best to step back from things that stress you out. I had a friend who had to take a break from social media when it was making her anxious. Setting boundaries in personal relationships or taking a digital detox can really help manage your stress levels.

This could involve telling friends when you need some alone time, letting family members know when you can’t be disturbed, or making it clear to a partner what behaviors you find unacceptable. These boundaries help protect your mental space and ensure that your relationships are supportive rather than draining.

Imagine you have a friend who always wants to vent about their problems, and it leaves you feeling drained. You could say, “Hey, I really care about you, but I need some time to myself right now. Can we chat about this later?” This way, you’re still being a good friend but also taking care of your own needs.

Digital detox 

Now, let’s talk about the digital detox. We all love our phones, but sometimes we need a break from the constant notifications, social media drama, and endless scrolling. A digital detox is like hitting the reset button on your brain. It’s all about unplugging from screens and giving your mind a much-needed break.

If you’re feeling stressed out from seeing everyone’s perfect lives on Instagram, try taking a break. Maybe decide to spend your weekends without checking your phone, or turn off notifications in the evenings. You’ll be amazed at how much calmer and happier you feel!

Both setting boundaries and taking a digital detox help you take control of your life. They give you the space and time to recharge, reflect, and do things that make you happy. Plus, they help you stay in control of your emotions and keep your stress levels in check.

So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, try setting some boundaries or unplugging for a bit. Your mind will thank you!

Seeking professional help

Remember, taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just not like yourself, it’s perfectly okay to ask for help. 

Just like you’d ask for help in math, seeking help for your feelings and thoughts is perfectly fine. There are doctors, counselors, and therapists who can give you the tools to deal with mental health issues. You’re not alone, and talking about it is the first step toward feeling better. If you don’t have access to a doctor or a counsellor, start with speaking to a trusted adult, who can help you find the right solutions. 

So, Siya, keep these tips in your toolkit and start working on them. And, remember, it’s brave to reach out for help! You’ve got this!

To learn more about the topic, do check out this cool video :

Remember, involving your parents or a trusted adult can be a crucial step in resolving these issues effectively.

1. Don’t blame yourself: Tia understood that trust is a fundamental part of any relationship, and her ex-boyfriend’s actions of sharing private content were a betrayal of that trust. If you’re in this situation, remember it’s not your fault. It’s important to talk to your parents or a trusted adult about what happened, as they can provide support and guidance.
2. Block the offender: Tia immediately blocked her ex-boyfriend on all social media platforms and her phone. If you’re facing this, do the same. This step is crucial for your mental well-being. 
3. Talking to parents/trusted adult: Approaching your parents or another trusted adult about a situation like this can be incredibly challenging. It’s natural to worry that they might react strongly or “freak out” when they learn about what’s happened. Understand that your parents may initially react with shock or anger – not towards you, but at the situation. It’s a natural protective instinct. Give them time to process the information However, it’s important to remember that they are likely to be your strongest allies and sources of support. If you feel that you absolutely cannot talk to your parents, find another adult you trust – maybe an aunt, uncle, teacher, or school counselor. They can offer support and might even help you talk to your parents about it.
4. Don’t hide any details: Share your feelings and the entire situation honestly. Hiding certain details, because you might be ashamed of them, can lead to complications later. Your parents or a trusted adult need the full context to help effectively.
5. Take a social media break: Feeling overwhelmed, Tia temporarily deactivated her social media accounts for some peace of mind. You might want to consider doing this too. Discuss with your parents or a guardian about this step and how it might help you.
6. It’s not the end: Tia talked to someone she trusted – her sister and her parents. They helped her see that this phase would pass. It’s essential to have a support system. Reach out to family members, friends, or even a counsellor for support.
7. Consider your next steps: Tia, with her parents’ guidance, deliberated on whether to confront the situation or to distance herself from it. This is a personal choice, and it’s crucial to discuss it with your parents or a trusted adult to weigh the options.
8. Legal action: Tia and her parents decided to consult with legal experts to understand their options. Remember, sharing intimate photos or videos without consent is a crime. If you’re considering this, involve your parents or guardians in the decision to approach the police or legal authorities.
9. Preserve evidence: Tia saved all the messages, emails, and screenshots as evidence, a step that saved her. We know it is a tough choice given all your messages will be read by someone else but that’s crucial if you want to take things forward legally. If you’re in this situation, do the same and keep everything in a secure place.
10. Report to online platforms: With her older brother’s help, Tia reported the content to social media platforms for removal. If you face this issue, report it immediately. Your parents or siblings can help with this process. You can write to Instagram/Facebook/YouTube and report this as a crime – they are known to take pretty strong action by taking the post down and banning the person who indulges in any such images of another person. For Facebook removal, click here, for Instagram, click here. YouTube also allows you to report abuse by this link.

You can also write to Google to remove the link from appearing in searches, check out here. Google can also remove your photo from online searches. Here is the link for that.

11. File an online complaint: Tia filed a complaint online with her parents’ assistance. If you’re uncomfortable going to the police, consider this option. Your parents can help navigate the process. Here is the link. The help is also available on Twitter through the handle Cyber Dost – Cyber-safety and Cybersecurity awareness handle maintained by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

The FIR is followed by an enquiry by the police to file a charge sheet.

12. Stay strong: Tia focused on her life beyond this incident, with support from friends and family. Remember, life has much more to offer. Lean on those who support you, including your parents, and know that this too shall pass.

It may feel difficult to believe this now, but your life always has more to offer. Be strong and lean on those who you have your back. Through Tia’s story, we see the importance of self-care, seeking support, and understanding your rights. Always remember, that involving your parents or a trusted adult can make a significant difference in handling such situations.

Photo: Pexels/Persons in the photo are models and their names have been changed. 

Do you have anything on your mind? Share with us in the comment box below. Remember not to put any personal information in the comment box.

To know more about being safe online, check out this video below :

Peer pressure

So you are facing peer pressure? How do you feel? Wait, but first, what really is
peer pressure? Let’s first understand peer pressure and then learn how to deal with it. 

Peer pressure in simple terms can be defined as “doing something you don’t like, to impress your friends or to fit in with them.” These friends might be from your school/college, your neighbourhood, your social groups or even your cousins, who are of more or less the same
age as you. 

Sometimes this might also happen during the process of making new friends. You might
try to do or behave in a manner they like, in order to fit in. 

You know, this pressure is felt and dealt differently by different people. And while
some of us may be able to identify the risks and are able to resist peer pressure, some of us might give in. It also depends on the situation we may find ourselves in.

Also, don’t forget to check out this amazing video on intimacy in relationships:

To do or not to do? 

In this context, let’s talk about the peer pressure that you are under – to have a relationship or a physical/sexual contact. 

Teenagers can often assume, also perhaps an impression cultivated by movies, that
everyone their age is having sex and has to express their love by accepting a sexual request from their bf/gf. 

So the first thing to know is both of these things are not true. Whatever the
perception everyone is not having sex and that one does not need to comply with a sexual request to express their love.

Another important point to note is that sexual contact before the age of 18 is illegal
in our country.

Furthermore, during teenage, sexual involvement is not advisable because it can have negative effects on one’s mental growth and development.

It is also a good idea to wait, until we feel that we have the emotional bandwidth and capability to handle consequences that such a contact may generate. 

But the pressure…

That’s all fine, you may say. But what to do about all the pressure! For that,
let’s first understand why you feel this pressure. Here are some of the common reasons: 

So how to deal with peer pressure about sexual contact? Here are a few practical tips: 

Niyatii N Shah is a sexuality educator, intimacy coach, author, TedX speaker based out of Mumbai. She can be found on Twitter here. 

Have a query? Ask our experts! In this column, we take questions from adolescents and their parents on growing up, adolescence, puberty and everything in between; and put them to subject matter experts. 

Dear Diary,

The past few years have been very tough for me, because of one wrong decision I took four years ago – choosing science as my stream!

As a child in middle school, I was always pretty confused as to what stream I should choose or what I really wanted to do in my life. For those of us with the ICSE board, it’s even tougher, having to make this choice in class 9!  

Hall of shame

Wherever I went, everyone just asked me the same question: “What stream would you choose? What do you want to become?” I never settled on a single answer whenever someone asked about my future aspirations. Astronaut, doctor, teacher, actor—the responses varied each time. 

Many times, I would simply say that I haven’t decided yet, and because of that, many thought that I wasn’t ambitious in life.

One incident is still etched on my memory. Our principal came to our class one day and started asking each of us what we wanted to do after school.

At that point, I had no idea, so I was just listening to my classmates’ answers. Some said they wanted to be engineers, some wanted to be athletes, and it went on.

Finally, it was my turn. I stood up and said, “Ma’am, I haven’t decided yet.” Let me tell you, the looks I got from my classmates that day were something else. I felt pretty embarrassed.

Stuck in the family way

The pressure only intensified as class 9 admissions came upon my head. I had to make a choice. With a family full of engineers and doctors, everyone expected me to follow the same path and I ended up with Science. 

I figured out pretty quickly that this wasn’t my thing. But I never had the courage or clarity to speak to my parents about this.

Whenever I would think about talking to my parents, about how I am not interested in pursuing Science and do not want to make it my future, I get stuck on the question. “If not this, then what?”

And that’s how I ended up in Class 12, still with science, still struggling. 

What next?

So I have finally given this a lot of thought and guess what, I finally have my answer. I would pursue law after school.  And I even talked to my parents about it. 

They are still not convinced that there could be a valid career path outside of engineering but I’m working on it. 

Live in the present

But here’s what I have understood in this journey. it’s totally okay not to have your whole future figured out, even if people give you strange looks. Many folks end up switching careers for various reasons. I understand them well now. 

Sometimes, it’s because our parents push us into a field we’re not really interested in, and later on, we realize it’s not making us happy. So, we need to take time to figure it out. Our path doesn’t have to be set in stone just yet.

So, here’s my message to everyone including myself: Let’s take time to ponder what really counts in life. It’s our journey, and the choices we make should be for ourselves, even if they don’t always lead us down the perfect path. It’s okay to make mistakes too. 

I am not sure if I will be a lawyer one day or follow another path a few years down the line. Whatever the future is, I am ready for it as I am making my own choices. 

Names have been changed. This article has been authored by a member of our TeenBook Advisory Board (TAB). To learn more about what TAB is and how to join, please click here. 

To learn more about this, check out this video :