Teenagers navigate the stormy seas of adolescence
The lives of a group of teenagers in Bristol, England, are followed through two years of sixth form, with the story line of this critically acclaimed series delving into such controversial subjects as substance abuse, sexuality, teenage pregnancy, personality and eating disorders, and mental illness. `Skins' is unique in its casting of amateur actors, and the fact that the cast is replaced every two seasons, when the characters leave school.
Impact in Action
Learn about the impact of this film on communities.
"Skins" has sparked a significant cultural conversation around the pressing issues faced by today’s youth, effectively shining a spotlight on topics such as mental health, substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy. This groundbreaking series not only captivated audiences with its raw portrayal of adolescence but also influenced policies aimed at supporting vulnerable teenagers.
Since its debut, "Skins" has been credited with increasing awareness about mental health issues, leading to a reported 30% rise in young people seeking help for anxiety and depression in the UK. Furthermore, the show’s candid discussions about sexuality and identity have empowered countless teens to embrace their true selves, fostering a more inclusive environment in schools and communities across the nation.
By featuring amateur actors whose real-life experiences mirror those of their characters, "Skins" has humanized the struggles of youth, prompting educational institutions to implement more comprehensive mental health resources and policies. Through its daring storytelling, the series not only entertained but also inspired a movement towards greater understanding and support for the complexities of teenage life.
Dive Deeper
Get to know more about the problem.
Learn more about the issue
Explore relevant research & latest news
Go the extra mile!
Where to Watch
Oops, we could not find any watch sources for this media.
FAQ
See more FAQs here.
Continue Exploring
Discover more stories and insights that align with your interests.
Similar Impact Campaigns
Check out these media campaigns with similar social themes and impact tags

Horsegirls
As her mother Sandy (Gretchen Mol) grapples with an uncertain diagnosis, autistic 22-year-old Margarita (a revelatory Lillian Carrier) must reluctantly grow up. Bogged down by the demands of her new job at a Halloween store and the complications surrounding her mom’s illness, Margarita discovers a competitive hobby horse dance team — a sport in which young athletes mimic equestrian activities such as jumping and galloping by utilizing a stick horse — and throws herself into training. Encouraged by her coach (Jerod Haynes), her mom and her community, Margarita begins to gain confidence as she grows into her independence and looks forward to her next chapter. Anchored by fantastic performances from Carrier, Mol and Tony Hale, Horsegirls is a moving dramedy that sneaks up on you while also shining a spotlight on a sport that is growing in popularity outside the U.S. Writer-director Lauren Meyering has expertly crafted an autistic lead character who is allowed to be all things: lovable, stubborn, hilarious, frustrating, capable and sweet.—Karen Kemmerle

Euphoria
An American adaptation of the Israeli show of the same name, "Euphoria" follows the troubled life of 17-year-old Rue, a drug addict fresh from rehab with no plans to stay clean. Circling in Rue's orbit are Jules, a transgender girl searching for where she belongs; Nate, a jock whose anger issues mask sexual insecurities; Chris, a football star who finds the adjustment from high school to college harder than expected; Cassie, whose sexual history continues to dog her; and Kat, a body-conscious teen exploring her sexuality. As the classmates struggle to make sense of their futures, the series tackles the teenage landscape of substance-enhanced parties and anxiety-ridden day-to-day life with empathy and candor.
Related Articles
Read our blog on the state of impact entertainment and Empact updates!
Empact: on turning empathy into action
Transforming emotional stories into actionable social change, Empact empowers filmmakers and brands to create impactful entertainment and meaningful audience engagement.
Why every film should have an impact campaign
Explaining the importance of impact campaigns for filmmakers to engage audiences, spark action, and enhance a film's reach and legacy.