UCL Study Calls for Boys and Girls to Learn About Periods Together

Children in the UK are still being given far too little education about menstruation, according to new research from University College London (UCL). The study argues that boys and girls should be taught together about periods—not separately—in order to reduce stigma, challenge misinformation, and foster a wider cultural understanding of menstrual health.

Researchers found that most pupils receive only two lessons on menstruation during their entire school career: one in primary school and one in secondary. These lessons often focus narrowly on biology, with little or no discussion of how periods affect wellbeing, learning, sports participation, or how to recognise abnormal bleeding.

Prof Joyce Harper, who led the study at the UCL Institute for Women’s Health, explained:

“Our survey suggests that 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 need to be much more comprehensive—covering everything from wellbeing to performance, and conditions like abnormal bleeding.”

The research, which included surveys and focus groups with 55 women aged 18–40, also explored whether single-sex classes were useful. While some participants valued girls-only spaces for open conversation, they overwhelmingly felt mixed classes were essential to improve understanding and empathy. Teaching boys about periods, they suggested, could also prepare them to better support partners, colleagues, and friends, extending even into future conversations about menopause.

Although Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) became compulsory in schools in 2020, provision remains patchy. Current statutory guidance says children should learn the basics of menstruation, including physical and emotional changes, by the end of primary school. By the end of secondary, lessons should include topics such as premenstrual syndrome, heavy bleeding, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and menopause.

Education experts and teaching unions agree more needs to be done. Sarah Hannafin, head of policy for the National Association of Head Teachers, said:

“Teaching about periods is a vital part of health education for all pupils. Mixed-sex groups should also be planned, as it is vital that pupils understand others’ experiences.”

Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, added that while menstruation is technically covered in the RSHE curriculum, schools should be encouraged to go beyond the bare minimum.

The Department for Education confirmed that new RSHE guidance will take effect next year, with an emphasis on physical and emotional changes as well as conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding and endometriosis.

A Step Toward Normalising Menstrual Health

Campaigners and researchers argue that menstrual education isn’t just about biology—it’s about equality. Teaching boys and girls together could help dismantle the stigma that continues to make periods a taboo subject in classrooms, workplaces, and wider society.

As Harper notes, comprehensive, inclusive education is key:

“If we want to reduce stigma and support wellbeing, we must ensure that all pupils—regardless of gender—understand how menstruation impacts lives.”