Discussing Menstruation With Students

[aetienn6]

Hi Everyone! So I had a very interesting day at work today involving a young girl with special needs getting her first period. She had no idea what it was or why it was happening and was exhibiting a lot of anxiety related to the situation. I did briefly discuss the physiological processes occurring in her body and her teacher and I continuously reiterated that this was completely normal and that her mother would explain things more to her later.

I brought up the issue with my school's administration (as I was concerned about the lack of info the kids have about their bodies) I was told I wasn't supposed to say anything to the kid, not to do so again in the future, and that knowledge of this subject is completely at parent discussion.

At first I was astonished by this response but it is making a bit more sense to me now. I do feel the basic science of what is happening in our bodies at different stages should be taught in schools whether a kid has special needs or not. But I am wondering what are the policies regarding this subject at schools where you work and what state do you work in?

[Farawyn]

That's exactly it! My admin said it was the parents responsibility to discuss these things with their children but I know most parents are not discussing anatomy and bodily processes at home.

Then you have to let that go. The Admin. won't back you on this.

If something happens IN school, like it did, then you have every right to intervene for the kid's safety. You talked to her with the teacher, and you let the mom know.

But don't make it your habit to teach it unless a situation like this arises again (child fear, anxiety, truly not knowing)

Document it every time, you know that.

Just out of curiosity, parochial school?

[RatherBHiking, BSN, RN]

How sad you got in trouble for discussing a natural process of growth and development! We teach puberty in 5th grade. Older grades will actually have sex Ed classes with guest speakers who promote abstinence. We send a note home first to allow parents to opt their child out if they wish. I just heard they are trying to get legislation passed to give schools permission to include this in all curriculum because so many parents aren't teaching it. I've always found it much easier to discuss this stuff with other people's children then my own. However, with my own kids I teach my values and expectations which I think is important and I can't do that with students so I think there needs to be a joint effort between parents and schools.

[Garden,RN, ASN, RN]

I have substituted as a school nurse in one state and worked in the clinic and another. I always felt like there were many problems, including psychosocial and health education that nurses are uniquely qualified to address within the schools. This seemingly small issue is actually very important. I found that often with children, there are so many other issues behind their clinic visits. In your case it interesting that the child was completely surprised. Usually parents make attempts at preparing the children. Unless the child was very young. It is important to teach the basics. When I was a child, which was a long time ago, we were taught from hygiene to eventually human growth and development. My own sons tell me they have received very little education, but the education system has so many issues of it's own and in schools those needs take priority, such as exams.

[gypsyd8]

Have you seen the original Brian De Palma Carrie? If not, you should.

As healthcare professionals we are the first line of defense against abusive parents who do not tell their children these things. It is absolutely our responsibility to advocate for them. Their parents are not doing their job, or are deliberately keeping their children ignorant. They gave up their rights when they neglected their responsibility as parents.

[CandyNurse57]

I've worked with I/DD individuals for 26 years, with varying degrees of special needs. I think you did the right thing, but we must always be aware of the unique needs of each person, and their ability to grasp what you are trying to tell them, and take that into account when doing so. You must speak on their level, so to speak, and make sure if you use big terms, that they can understand what you say, otherwise it just tends to scare and confuse.