Overview

• Research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference in Denver reports that practical menstruation instruction helps adolescents feel better prepared.
• Period Prepared offers a grades 3–12 curriculum covering hygiene, stigma and cycle monitoring through activities such as DIY heating pads and help‑seeking role‑play.
• Early feedback from students, parents and educators was positive, with small groups of similarly aged peers cited as most effective for discussion.
• Younger participants ages 8–10 showed strong interest in advanced topics, suggesting earlier instruction can build confidence before menarche.
• The work spotlights policy gaps in Louisiana—where comprehensive sex education reached 11% of middle schoolers and 24% of high schoolers in 2020—and notes findings come from a conference abstract rather than large trials.