One might assume that pupils arrive at secondary school prepared not only for the academic transition but knowing something about puberty. But a survey of young people suggests that nearly a quarter of girls start having periods before the subject is covered in sex and relationships education (SRE). Almost 15 per cent of young people said they were taught nothing at school about menstruation.
Government guidance on SRE states that pupils should learn about puberty before they experience it, but this is clearly not happening in all schools.
It is easy to assume that “it will have been discussed at home” or “it must be covered in primary school”, but the reality is that many young people are missing out on vital learning to support their development, health and wellbeing.
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