Total votes
5-11 votes
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?”
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.
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.
We feel it is easier to talk about, but can feel awkward in front of men.