‘Growing pains are brutal’: Young people on what it means to be a teenager – in pictures

From left: Elliot, 16 , Queenie 13, Carmen 14, Pippa, 13.Pippa: ‘To be a teenager is to be constantly watched and criticised by society’s impossible standards that are engraved into our minds at school, at home and on social media. There’s no escape.’ Elliot: ‘We’ve inherited toxic rain, toxic climate, toxic society. It is worrying being a teenager.’ Carmen: ‘Being a teenager brings fun memories, forever-lasting relationships and life lessons. But also academic, societal and future expectations, as well as mental and emotional challenges. Being a teen is the best and worst thing to go through’