> text-to-speech softwares for computers (and phones?).

Yes, phones. These days, a blind 17-year-old would be most likely to own an iPhone and use the built-in tts software called voiceover. Also, many schools are giving blind students iPads instead of laptops, because they boot up faster, they're easier to carry, and the battery lasts longer. Blind teenagers are doing a lot more on phones and tablets, and less on computers, in the same way sighted teenagers are, and for similar reasons.

> i think it would be possible for him to walk home by himself and he'd be able to go to places without requiring much assistance from other people.

Depends on where he lives. Walk home by himself, sure. Although many modern communities (at least in Canada) aren't building sidewalks on residential streets anymore. Walking in the road isn't the safest thing! However, it would be fair to assume his parents took that into account when purchasing a house, and he lives in a neighborhood that has sidewalks, and is otherwise decent for pedestrians.

Similarly for going to other places. What's public transit like where he lives? Cabs are way too expensive for a teenager, and he'll never drive obviously.

> not sure if bullying would happen

Depends on the area, the school, etc. At that age, though, it moves out of the realms of bullying and into crime. Blind students tend to carry either laptops or tablets to do school work, and we can make attractive targets for theft. I'm aware of several times in Ontario where a blind student has had his/her technology stolen. However, in small towns, small schools, or specialty (tech/science/art/music/etc) schools, this probably wouldn't be an issue. But if theft/violence is a problem in that school, it's safe to assume a blind student might be (or at least feel) more effected by it.

> people would treat him differently like they're treading on thin ice.

All the time. Either that, or just not bother to talk to him at all. When I was in High School (admittedly 20 years ago), I'd go days without ever speaking to another student. I'd do my homework while eating lunch, and otherwise just be in class. But admittedly I'm an introvert. But I know the problem of meeting people can be a huge one for most blind teens. We can't catch someone's eye across the room, and it can be hard for us to approach new people. And teenagers, while somewhat mature, are not likely to come up and introduce themselves to a blind person.

> smokes cigarettes and drinks like most teenagers do at some point.

I never did either of these things, because I was a well behaved dork growing up (still a dork as an adult, just less rule abiding LOL). But I know lots of blind teenagers who did!

What about dating/romance/sex? Those can be hugely terrifying subjects for any teenager. But blindness can add a lot of self doubt (why would any girl want a blind guy?), along with worries about looks and all the rest of it. We generally get over these feelings by adulthood, but it can add to the teenage struggle.