News

Too little, too late: Young girls report poor menstrual health education

Significant inadequacies in menstrual health education have left many students in the dark at a crucial time in their development – but things are improving.
Image: Adobe Stock

A study by academics has uncovered a lack of practical information being offered to young people, students being taught about periods too late, and attitudes which “perpetuate stigma”.

The study (Taylor & Greig, 2024), which has been led by the University of Bristol and Anglia Ruskin University, sought to understand what menstrual health education information is being delivered in schools in England – and how.

Based on responses from 140 young women, now aged 18 to 24, the study finds that 10% do not remember receiving any menstrual education whatsoever, while of those who were taught something, 1 in 5 did not receive lessons until after they had begun their period.

Register now, read forever

Thank you for visiting SecEd and reading some of our content for professionals in secondary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.

What's included:

  • Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcast

  • New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday and Thursday

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here