Boys can have periods too, primary school children told

PRIMARY school pupils will be taught that “all genders” can have periods in sex education lessons, in a victory for transgender rights campaigners.

The advice to teachers was approved by Brighton and Hove City Council to tackle stigma around menstruation.

Children will be taught that periods are not confined to one gender, a report says, adding: “Trans boys and men and non-binary people may have periods” and “menstruation must be inclusive of all genders”.

In a bid to be inclusive, bins used for menstruation products will be provided in all lavatories for children, according to the report.

It recommends that “language and learning about periods is inclusive of all genders, cultures, faiths and sexual orientations. For example: ‘girls and women and others who have periods’”.

The council said in a statement: “By encouraging effective education on menstruation and puberty, we hope to reduce stigma and ensure no child or young person feels shame in asking for period products inside or outside of school if they need them.

“We believe that it’s important for all genders to be able to learn and talk about menstruation together… Our approach recognises the fact that some people who have periods are trans or non-binary.”

David Davies, the Conservative MP, told The Mail on Sunday the decision was “insanity” and will leave pupils “completely confused”.

Draft Government recommendations say schools are free to determine how they address lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, ensuring teaching is “sensitive and age-appropriate”.