Are we getting better at talking about periods?

53176

Total votes

9182

5-11 votes

43994

11-16+ votes

Period poverty rates have been increasing according to the charities that give them out, with some saying they are struggling to keep up with demand. As a result, they've urged the UK government to continue to provide free period products after the current end date in July. Also making headlines recently, one school is asking students to provide proof of their period pain which has led to some angry responses from parents. At VotesforSchools, we wanted to see whether conversations around periods are evolving. The lessons explored people’s awareness of periods, attitudes towards them and whether we’re getting better at talking about them.

Primary 9-11, Secondary, 16+ & College voters were asked: “Are we getting better at talking about periods?”, while Primary 5-9 voters considered: “Do we know how to talk about our bodies?”

Age 5-11 voter

I think I'm ready to talk about periods because when we did the VotesforSchools today it wasn't too bad. It didn't feel uncomfortable.

Age 11-16 voter

It still feels like it is taboo to mention periods, girls feel shame going to the toilet when they're 'on'. Boys don't know much more than that girls get periods once a month and bleed. Images of blood on the presentation in the sanitary towel were met by many of the boys shouting 'ew' or 'eugh' or similar.

Age 16+ voter

We feel it is easier to talk about, but can feel awkward in front of men.

Feedback from our Impact Partners...

Thank you to Sex Education Forum, Bloody Good Period and Brook for responding to young people's voices on this VoteTopic!

"It’s great children can talk about bodies. Knowing about our bodies is an important part of staying healthy. Whatever our size and shape, the colour of our eyes, skin and hair, all our bodies are unique and amazing, and we should celebrate and care for them.

I wish we were getting better at talking about periods. After all periods are a normal part of life for half the population! It's important to understand the menstrual cycle; what it's like to have a period; and how to get help if periods are getting in the way of enjoying school or hobbies."

Rebekah Peters, Brook

57% of 9-11-year olds said 'No' to the question, "Are we getting better at talking about periods?"

Primary pupils aged 5-9 were discussing the question, "Do we know how to talk about our bodies?" 67% voted 'Yes'.
9-11-year olds were discussing periods and were asked to vote on the question, "Are we getting better at talking about periods?"
Many stressed the importance of discussing periods as so many of us have them.

65% of Secondary students also voted 'No' to the same question.

Secondary students were also discussing the question, "Are we getting better at talking about periods?"
As with 9-11-year olds, the majority voted 'No'.
Many pointed out the difference between being better at talking about periods and understanding them - most highlighted that the understanding isn't the issue, it's the talking specifically.
Some students said they feared being made fun of or making others uncomfortable.

57% of College and older students disagreed, arguing that conversations about periods are improving.

College students felt more positively about the conversations they've had on the topic, as nearly 60% voted 'Yes'.
Many said that whilst things are improving, there is still room for improvement.