Schools recognise that their talks on periods need be provided earlier, a health education officer says.

Traditionally the ’period talk’ takes place in the summer term for Year 6 (aged 10 and 11) female students, but this is now recognised by schools and the Department of Education, Sports and Culture (DESC) as being ’too late’.

Health education officer Samantha Lund said: ’Advice for schools from the DESC is that puberty sessions should be delivered to children in Year 5 (ages nine and 10) so they are aware of the changes that will happen to them, before they happen.

’In training and guidance given, the DESC recommends that both girls and boys receive information on periods.’

She also offers to support staff with these sessions in both training and providing the information.

Sessions about puberty are repeated in secondary schools, which take place in either personal, social, health and economic (PSHE), life skills or science classes.

A range of sanitary supplies are available for those who need them at both primary and secondary schools.

This is highlighted during the puberty sessions.

The products can be accessed in a range of places or through particular people in secondary schools, including heads of years, student support and school nurses.

There are concerns from charities that ’period poverty’ exists in schools here, with girls missing out on education due to not being able to afford sanitary products and therefore being embarrassed to attend classes.

Mrs Lund said the department is unaware of any students missing education due to this.

In the Manx Independent on January 23 we covered a new initiative called ’Period Pop Ups’, created by Hannah Grove of Love Life, which provides sex education sessions in schools.

Mrs Grove hopes to bring stalls to all secondary schools in the island showcasing a range of sustainable and eco-friendly sanitary products.

The idea is to show more options like menstrual cups and washable pads that are better for the environment and women’s health, while breaking down any stigmas attached to menstruation.

Mrs Lund said the department is organising a meeting following a discussion with Mrs Grove about the period pop ups to see if and how it can support.