Missing School Due to Period Pain Isn’t Just a "Teen Thing” - It’s a Global Issue
If your child is missing school because of their period, they’re not alone. This isn't just a one-off bad cramp day. It’s a systemic issue that's impacting education globally - and it needs to be talked about.
In the UK alone, two million girls miss school due to their period. And research reported in this 2025 article also found that heavy periods significantly affect attendance and exam scores in England. It’s not always about pain either - leaks, lack of access to products, anxiety, or shame all play a part.
Globally, the picture is just as stark. According to ActionAid, 1 in 10 girls in parts of Africa miss school during their period due to lack of access to menstrual products and facilities. That adds up to 20% of the school year lost.
Period poverty isn't just about income. It's also about education, stigma, and silence. So let’s stop whispering about it and start making noise.
Should I Let My Child Skip School on Their Period?
If they're in pain? Yes. If they’re not coping? Yes. If the school environment makes it worse? Still yes.
This isn’t about weakness. It’s about support.
Yes, we want our kids to build resilience. But forcing them to sit in maths class while doubled over in pain, or panicking about leaking on a plastic chair, doesn’t build strength. It builds shame.
Menstrual health researcher studies show that period pain can be as intense as a heart attack. That’s not something a hot water bottle can always fix.
It comes down to listening. If your child says they need to stay home, they probably do. The better question is: what would help them get back to school tomorrow?
Support Starts at Home: How to Advocate for Your Child
Here’s how you can help your child feel safe, supported and seen:
1. Talk about it. Ask them what their period feels like. Is it the pain? The fear of leaking? The school toilets? You can’t solve what you don’t know.
2. Put it in writing. If your child needs accommodations - like bathroom access during lessons or time off PE - put it in a letter to their teacher or pastoral lead.
3. Know your rights. Schools have a duty of care. If your child is regularly missing school due to menstrual health, ask for a wellbeing plan. This can include:
- Permission to leave lessons when needed
- Access to products (check if your school is part of the free period products scheme)
- A safe place to rest if they’re feeling unwell
4. Equip them. Give them the products that actually work. Leaks and discomfort are a huge reason kids avoid school on their period.
Tip: WUKA Period Pants are designed to be worn all day, even on heavy flow days. No crinkly pads, no backup needed. Just underwear that works:
- WUKA Teen Stretch™ Seamless Period Pants
- WUKA Teen Stretch™ Boxer Shorts - perfect for wearing under school skirts and PE shorts
- WUKA Heat Patches for period cramps (yes, we thought of everything)
This Isn’t Just a Personal Issue. It’s a Policy One.
Periods are still one of the most common - and most silenced - reasons for school absence. And until we fix that, we’ll keep leaving young people behind.
The BBC recently reported that period-related school absence is still underreported and misunderstood, especially for those with heavy periods or conditions like endometriosis source.
By speaking up, asking for better support, and pushing for inclusive education, we can help our kids show up fully.
Because a period shouldn’t be a reason to disappear from the classroom.