Should the word teens be capitalized in essay?

No, the word "teens" should not be capitalized in an essay, unless it's the first word of a sentence or part of a proper noun.

Here's why:

* Common Noun: "Teens" is a common noun, referring to a general group of people. Common nouns are not capitalized unless they are at the beginning of a sentence.

* Not a Proper Noun: "Teens" is not a specific name or place, like "The Beatles" or "California."

Example:

* Incorrect: "The Teens of today are facing unique challenges."

* Correct: "The teens of today are facing unique challenges."

Exception:

* Proper Noun: If "teens" is part of a specific name or title, such as "The Teen Choice Awards," then it should be capitalized.