‘Embarrassing, gross’: Period education gets revamp

“Young girls and boys now have an interactive game to teach them about periods and women’s menstrual health, which still faces stigma in the classroom and in homes. Cringe Quest , developed by not-for-profit Interrelate, is a free 30 to 60 minute learning program in the style of an interactive game for students in Years 3 to 6. Many students are still too embarrassed and anxious to ask questions about menstruating, according to Interrelate relationship and sexuality education specialist Kristy Turnbull. “When we looked at how young people are learning about menstruation today, we saw a clear opportunity to do better, to create something engaging, inclusive and confidence-building,” she said. “We know these conversations can feel uncomfortable, for students, parents and even teachers, but they are incredibly important.” Importantly, the program is also offered to boys, who have historically been left out of menstrual education. Kirsty Taylor said “menstruation remains one of the most important topics wrapped in awkwardness and silence.” Picture: Adam Taylor. “We’ve heard everything from ‘it’s embarrassing and gross’ to genuine anxiety about pain and what to expect,” Ms Turnbull said. “In a world where young people are exposed to constant information about relationships, bodies and identity through social media, streaming platforms and online communities, menstruation remains one of the most important topics wrapped in awkwardness and silence.” More on this story: Young people form attitudes about sex earlier | Student survey on consent, relationships ed | How to teach girls about healthy relationships Launched at Sydney Montessori School, students are taken through choose-your-own-adventure-style scenarios and asked what they would do in situations where they get their period or need to change a sanitary pad. It builds on the requirement for students to learn how to manage changes caused by puberty in Health and Physical Education classes in Years 3 to 6. April Showers, a mother with two primary school-aged girls, said the game covered facts she may not have thought to tell her girls. “How wonderful it is for my girls to know about their bodies early on, so nothing is scary, I wish someone had talked to me about this when I was young, about the ranges of ‘normal’, about what to expect, and about what to accept,” she said.

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