The Information Missing When Children First Learn about Menstruation

Many children ages 8-10 have their first lesson on Menstruation in school during science classes, this topic isn't emphasized as needed, it is often treated like a normal topic without pad demonstration. This topic is not normalized due to the belief that when these girls grow they will understand better with experience.

Facts About Menstruation

This is missing when kids first learn about Menstruation, they are often told about the myths with great emphasis. As a result of my interaction with adolescent girls 1 in 3 agrees that they first learnt about the myths of Menstruation even before they even started menstruating.

Examples of the myths they were told includes: Getting pregnant just by sitting close to a boy in the classroom; Menstruation is something to be hidden and not talked about; and Not praying during menstruation.

It shows that kids first learn about myths of menstruation due to the cultural beliefs that periods are dirty, this has made kids miss out early on the right information about menstruation.

Comprehensive Menstrual Hygiene and Management Awareness

This is a severe gap that has been overlooked when it comes to teaching kids about Menstruation early, Kids aren't taught about management of periods, they are mostly engaged on how to practice basic eating hygiene.

Kids don't know much about the basic hygiene and management practices that has to do with menstruation which are: Changing sanitary pads every 4 hours; Proper hand washing with water and soap; and Proper disposal of used sanitary pads.

When kids are constantly reminded of this hygiene and management tips it encourages confidence and helps them prepare well for their periods.

The Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle hasn't been taught to kids due to its complexity, kids don't know that periods come on a monthly basis, making it difficult for kids to track their periods in a simplified way. Kids are confused about the emotional stress and how it feels like to have cramps. There is little or no discussion at all when it comes to this area because the topic is treated with shame instead of confidence. Parents and teachers have to create safe spaces where discussions like Menstruation can be looked into so that children start gaining the right and accurate knowledge on menstruation to enable them to navigate their periods with dignity.

Written By: Abundance Dickson - Nigeria