Boys and girls should be taught together in mixed classes about menstruation to help reduce the stigma, secrecy and disinformation which still surrounds periods, according to researchers.
A new study by University College London (UCL) claims schoolchildren are being given insufficient information about periods, with many receiving just two lessons during their entire school career: one at primary level and one in secondary school.
It argues that lessons focus too narrowly on basic biological facts, with not enough information about how menstruation can affect wellbeing, problems with menstrual bleeding, and its impact on physical and academic performance.
While some schools still choose to separate boys and girls to allow for sensitive discussions, the UCL study says mixed lessons are important for developing a broader understanding and helping boys better understand and support their friends and future partners.
The study was based on a survey and focus group research among 55 women who were divided into two age groups: 18 to 25 years old and 26 to 40. Most were educated before relationships and sex education became mandatory in schools in England in 2020.
Prof Joyce Harper, of the UCL Institute for Women’s Health, who led the research, said: “Educating pupils about periods may now be compulsory in schools in England and Wales, but we know that for many of them that still only amounts to two lessons in their entire school career. Our survey suggests that those lessons are still very much concerned with the basic biological facts around menstruation.
“What we and the women who participated in our study are calling for is that lessons on menstruation need to be much more comprehensive, and cover everything from what effect periods can have on a girl or woman’s wellbeing and academic and sporting performance, to what abnormal bleeding looks like.”
Although some participants in the research saw value in single-sex classes to allow students to speak more freely, they still felt mixed sessions were essential to improve overall understanding, said Harper. “They suggested this could help boys understand and support their friends and future partners through menopause.”
The latest statutory government guidance on relationships, sex and health education (RSHE), published last month, says pupils should learn the facts about the menstrual cycle, including physical and emotional changes, by the end of primary school.
By the end of secondary school, students should learn about period problems including premenstrual syndrome, heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome – as well as menopause.
Sarah Hannafin, the head of policy for the National Association of Head Teachers, said teaching about periods was a vital part of health education for all pupils. “Although many schools may separate classes to create a safe space for discussions on topics like this, mixed-sex groups should also be planned as it is vital that pupils understand others’ experiences,” she said.
Pepe Di’Iasio, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “We fully support the need for boys and girls to be taught about menstruation in a comprehensive manner which goes beyond biological facts and covers the wider effects on wellbeing. While it is covered in the RSHE curriculum, we would welcome consideration of how teaching of this topic might be strengthened.”
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “Understanding menstruation is an important part of growing up, which is why we have brought in a new RSHE curriculum to take effect next year, with clear guidance that pupils should be taught about both physical and emotional changes, as well as topics from endometriosis to heavy menstrual bleeding.”
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