The pressing necessity for better and earlier education on menstrual health in Britain’s secondary schools has come to the forefront following a significant study involving 750 teachers from both secondary and primary education. This research highlights alarming gaps in students’ understanding of menstrual health, with a notable percentage of teachers observing students’ lack of preparation and knowledge about their own bodies.
Gaps in Menstrual Health Education
A key issue identified in the study is the widespread inadequate education about menstrual health. More than half of secondary school teachers reported that their students have not received sufficient information from either schools or their parents. This gap is further illustrated by the statistic that 42% of teachers have witnessed students starting their periods at school without understanding what was happening to them. The problem extends to primary schools, where 68% of teachers have had to assist students experiencing their first period in a state of shock and unpreparedness.
Many teachers feel the education provided is insufficient to adequately prepare students. Only a meager 17% of primary school teachers rated their school’s puberty education as excellent, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach. There is a significant call for the extension of the free period products scheme beyond July 2025, as this initiative has been crucial for students, preventing the fear of embarrassment and allowing them to focus on their education.
The Role of Teachers
Kate Prince of Essity has emphasized the necessity for more resources and flexibility in menstrual health education, ensuring that both school and home learning are synchronized. Currently, many teachers feel ill-equipped to deliver this critical information effectively. This lack of preparation often leads to problematic situations, as 75% of teachers have witnessed female students being bullied over period-related issues such as leaking through clothes or needing period products.
These bullying incidents affect students’ participation in school activities. Many miss Physical Education (PE) classes and, in some severe cases, avoid school entirely during their periods. Teachers have reported the urgent need for earlier discussions on menstrual health conditions such as endometriosis, heavy menstrual bleeding, and polycystic ovarian syndrome, ideally starting in primary school. However, 56% of primary schools rely on regular teachers to provide any available education, which underscores the need for more specialized support and training.
The Impact of Inadequate Education and Period Poverty
Marc Greene from In Kind Direct stresses the detrimental effects of inadequate menstrual health education and limited access to period products on students’ well-being and educational engagement. Teachers from both secondary and primary schools report that a significant number of students struggle to access their period products, with many schools not actively participating in the Period Product Scheme.
Real-life anecdotes, such as those shared by Ruth Lue-Quee, an education consultant, highlight the extreme measures some girls take due to period poverty, like using tissue paper instead of proper period products. These stories illustrate the harsh realities faced by many students and the urgent need for systemic change.
Moving Forward
The urgent need for improved and earlier education on menstrual health in Britain’s secondary schools has been spotlighted by a significant study involving 750 teachers from both secondary and primary schools. This research sheds light on critical deficiencies in students’ understanding of menstrual health, revealing a disturbing disconnect between students and their knowledge about their own bodies. A significant number of teachers have reported that students often feel unprepared and lack essential information regarding menstrual health. This educational gap not only affects students’ personal well-being but also contributes to broader societal stigmas and misconceptions surrounding menstruation. Addressing this issue requires implementing comprehensive menstrual health education programs earlier in the school curriculum, empowering students with the knowledge and resources they need to manage their health confidently. By tackling these educational gaps, schools can play a pivotal role in normalizing conversations around menstruation, fostering a more informed and supportive environment for all students.
