Teenage years are a time of self-discovery—but they can also be a time when prejudice begins to take root. Whether it's based on race, religion, gender, body type, or social background, many teens face unfair judgments from their peers. Sadly, these biases are often learned from family, media, or society.

Prejudice during adolescence can cause real harm. It leads to bullying, exclusion, and low self-esteem. It creates divisions instead of friendships and makes school a place of stress rather than support. And often, teens may not even realize they’re being biased—they’re just repeating what they’ve seen or heard.

The good news? Prejudice isn’t permanent. Teenagers are curious, open-minded, and capable of change. By listening to others, questioning stereotypes, and speaking up against unfair treatment, teens can become part of the solution.

It all starts with one simple step: treating others the way we want to be treated.