Campaign calls for change to school sex education to include reusable period options as mandatory

A UK period brand is petitioning for change to period and sex education taught in schools to reflect more sustainable and reusable options.

Wear ‘Em Out has called for the change after a survey data found that two out of five Brits learnt about periods at school, with over a third learning about types of protection at senior school.

Despite the growing trend to use more sustainable methods of protection, the company says the school education system in the UK is still failing to teach young people about alternatives to disposable products and is lacking in its attitude towards reusable options.

Lauren Derrett, CEO and founder, said: “We know that sex education in schools tends to teach pupils about the disposable period protection options available, but this needs to change.

“With the majority of us learning about periods at school, it’s absolutely vital that young people are educated about all the options available to them and this includes reusable pads, but there are also cups, period pants and other products out there which don’t need to be thrown away after a single use.

“We’re calling on schools to update the sex education they provide to their young people. Reusable period products have been on the market for over a decade now but what is taught to students hasn’t changed in that time.

“It’s really important to us that the next generation are being educated in alternative reusable options for when they period. They are the ones who are championing the change and they can’t do this without the relevant information and an introduction to what else is available.”

She added: “Imagine if our future young people seamlessly went into eco-friendlier periods before getting too dependent on disposables, what a huge impact that would make on both their physical and our planetary health and wellbeing.”

The introduction of the Governments Period Product Scheme for all schools and colleges in England provides free products to girls in their place of study.

However, despite reusable products being included in the list of items available through the scheme, only 44 per cent of ordering organisations bought environmentally friendly or reusable products in 2022.

Data has shown that menstrual waste from disposable products is ever growing.

Recent research conducted by Wear ‘Em Out found that half of the women with a period in the UK use disposable products and flush tampons and sanitary pads away, meaning more than one and a half billion menstrual items end up flushed down Britain’s toilets each year.

By opening up period education, the company argues the UK can make huge steps to change the impact that period products have on the planet and the waste system.

To help teachers open up the discussion of reusables, Wear ‘Em Out has started offering storage bags, period trackers, starter kits as well as education kits for schools and other settings that help educate young people about the reusable options available to them.

“We think the best way to introduce reusable products is without judgment, but to inform, share and allow time for change,” Derrett explained.

“We think it’s important that young people work out the best way for them. Gaining confidence in reusables takes time and we are hugely aware of this which is why we apply a chilled non-judgemental education.

“It’s more about empowering young people, not enforcing and giving them the information and options they need to be able to make informed choices.”

To sign the Wear ‘Em Out petition, visit petition.parliament.uk.