An association denounces in particular the inadequacy of educational establishments on a subject that nevertheless concerns “the question of equality”. More than half of young girls have already missed school because of their period.
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On the occasion of the International Day of the Girl, the Règles Élémentaires association published a study on Wednesday October 11 that France Bleu Picardie was able to consult, revealing thatAdolescent girls are having their first periods earlier and earlier without being made aware of these issues. The association fighting against menstrual poverty and the taboo of periods points out that schools or colleges are not suitable. It compiles several surveys carried out in recent months with Opinion Way.
On average, young girls get their period for the first time at 12 years and two months, five months earlier than 30 years ago, says the association. Today, 80% of girls get their periods before the age of 13, that is to say before the 5th grade, and 20% from primary school. However, these children are not made aware or informed about menstruation. The first lessons on the subject are given in SVT classes in 4th grade. Only half of those under 13 say they have received information on the subject at school.
A stressor
This lack of information can also lead to ridicule. One in three young girls has already been the victim of bullying or discrimination linked to their periods, indicates Règles Élémentaires, which invites “generalize menstrual education”. For 80% of young girls, having their period at school is even a stress factor.
And the educational establishments are not adapted “to be able to live your period peacefully”, according to the association. There is not always a trash can in the toilets, no toilet paper or soap, no protection available or a place to rest.
More than half (53%) of adolescent girls over 15 have already missed school during the year because of their periods. A quarter of them even declare that the rules have slowed down their academic progress, indicates the association. “Periods are an integral part of the issue of equality and the generalization of menstrual education is a necessity today. We cannot accept that in France, in 2023, girls will have to miss school because that they have their periods”denounces Elementary Rules.