Worried about getting your period in school? Here’s what to do so you’re calm, confident, and most importantly prepared.
Getting your period at school can feel a bit scary, especially if it’s your first time. But with a little preparation and support, you’ll feel confident and ready for anything. Here’s a guide to help you through it!
Just like you pack your school bag with things like pens and your planner, it’s smart to be period ready too!
If you’ve noticed signs like cramps, mood changes, or discharge, your period might be on the way.
Wearing a pantyliner each day can help you feel more confident if you think your period might start soon, it keeps your underwear protected until you can switch to a pad.
It's also a great time to put together a small period kit to keep in your school bag.
Here’s what to include:
Getting your period at school especially in the middle of class can feel really overwhelming. You might feel embarrassed, nervous, or unsure about what to do next. That’s totally normal, and you’re definitely not alone.
If you need help, here’s what you can do:
Remember: Asking for help is brave, and people will want to support you. If your friend needed help, you’d be there for them, and they’ll be there for you too!
Don’t panic, there’s always a solution!
Stay calm you’ll be able to sort it out quickly, and no one will think it’s weird.
It’s normal to worry about needing to change your pad in the middle of a lesson but the good news is, most pads are designed to last up to 8 hours. If you change your pad during morning break or lunchtime, you usually won’t need to change it again until you’re home.
Tip: If you do feel uncomfortable or think your pad needs changing sooner, it’s okay to ask to be excused. You don’t have to explain why just say you need to use the toilet.
If you need to change your pad every 2 hours or less, then it's time to switch up to a higher absorbency pad such as long or night time pads, and if you use tampons a higher absorbency tampon for heavier days is a really good idea.
No, you don’t have to go home if your period starts while you're at school. But you might want to ask the school secretary to call your parents or the person who cares for you, just to let them know. They might be able to bring you supplies or help you feel more comfortable.
It’s totally normal to feel a bit shy about opening a pad in the school toilet. But guess what? Lots of pads now come in quiet wrappers, like Lil-Lets Mini pads, so you can open them without making a loud noise. That means you can feel more relaxed and confident when you're in the toilet.
Tip: Some people like to give a little cough or flush the toilet at the same time to help cover the sound. Whatever works for you is totally fine!
Want more tips on how to use a pad for the first time, click on this link.
How To Use Pads SmartFit™ Ultra Thin Pads — MiniAnd remember, you’re not alone lots of people at school have periods too, even if you don’t know it.
It’s really important not to flush your pad down the toilet it can block the pipes and cause problems. Instead, just wrap it up in toilet paper or the wrapper of your new pad.
Look for a special bin inside the toilet cubicle to throw it away. If there isn’t one, it’s okay to use the main rubbish bin in the toilet area. That’s the safest and cleanest way to get rid of it!
It might not feel like it at first but trust us, periods are completely natural, and even though they might feel a bit awkward at first, that feeling usually goes away once you get used to them. The more you learn and prepare, the easier it gets!
Once you’ve got the hang of things, your period really shouldn’t stop you from enjoying school. You can still join in with your friends, do your favourite activities, and feel confident every day.
If you feel ready to move on from pads to tampons, that’s totally okay!
Tampons can be a great option, especially at school, because they’re small, easy to carry, and can help you feel more confident during PE or sports.
Tampons are also great because they stay in place and can be worn for several hours (just remember to change them regularly). Lots of people find them helpful when they want to feel fresh and worry less about leaks.
If you’re trying them for the first time, you might want to start with a mini or regular tampon, and it’s always a good idea to read the instructions carefully or talk to a trusted adult.
New to tampons, let us show you how to use them correctly.
SmartFit™ Non-Applicator Mini TamponsThe idea of talking to someone about periods can feel pretty awkward. But trust us, once you’ve had the chat you will feel so much better.
Your first period is a big step, and it’s totally normal to have questions about it. Here’s everything you need to know to feel prepared and confident:
My First PeriodConfused about whether you need a pad or a liner, we've got the lowdown on what product best suits your needs.
Pads vs Liners
You might notice blood in your underwear when you visit the toilet at break time, or feel wetness. It's a good idea to always have some pads with you when in school, if you have already noticed some of the signs of puberty.
Stay calm. Ask to go to the toilet, and if you don’t have supplies, you can ask a teacher, school nurse, or a trusted friend. Most schools have pads or tampons available,
Unfortunately, this happens! My tip is to tie a jumper or hoodie around your waist and go to the bathroom. You can ask a teacher or school secretary for help, and very often have spare clothes or supplies you can use. Sometimes the will even call your parents or the person who cares for you and ask them to pop you in a change of clothes.
Yes, but remember, periods are completely natural and happen to half the population. Most people are understanding and want to help and in a few months you will wonder what all the fuss was about once you have got used to your own period cycle.
Every 3–4 hours is a good rule, but it depends on your flow. Try to check during breaks or lunch. If you feel you need to change more often, then consider switching up to long or night pads, or a higher absorbency tampon.
Yes! If you feel up to it, exercise can actually help with cramps. Just make sure you’re wearing the right protection and once you have got used to your flow and menstrual cycle, you may want to use tampons during PE or sports.
You can try gentle stretching, drink water, or ask for a pain reliever if your school allows it. Let a teacher know if you’re feeling unwell.
Yes, talking about periods helps break the stigma and makes it easier for everyone to feel supported. Check out our Break The Cycle blog.
