Getting your first period at school can happen at a really inconvenient time. You might notice a little blood when you use the toilet, or see a mark on your underwear while you are in class.
If you have never had a period before, you may not know what to do. That is fine. Start with the basics and deal with one thing at a time.
What Should You Do When Your Period Starts at School?
Take a Moment and Stay Calm
First, go to the bathroom and check what is happening.
You may only see a few spots of blood. That still counts as the start of your period. The bleeding can stay light or become heavier later.
You do not need to work out how long your period will last or when the next one will come. Just get yourself comfortable and find some period protection.
Check What You Have With You
Look in your school bag. You may already have a pad tucked away.
If you do not, ask a friend if she has a spare. You can also ask a teacher or another member of staff.
Something as simple as, “I have started my period and need a pad,” is enough. You can ask to speak somewhere private if you feel uncomfortable saying it in front of other students.
Where Can You Get a Pad at School?
Ask a Teacher or School Nurse
Your school may keep pads in the nurse's office, school office, or bathrooms. Some schools give them to students through teachers.
If you do not know where to find one, ask. You are not expected to know how your school handles this the first time it happens.
A friend may also have a spare pad in her bag. Once you have one, head to the bathroom and put it on.
What If You Do Not Have a Pad?
Fold several sheets of toilet paper and place them in your underwear while you look for a pad.
This will not last for long. Toilet paper can shift and become soaked, so replace it with a proper pad as soon as you can.
If you have already bled onto your clothes, tell someone. The school may be able to help with clean clothes or contact your parent or guardian.
How Do You Put on a Pad at School?
Finding a Private Bathroom
Take the pad into a bathroom cubicle.
Remove the strip covering the sticky side and place the pad in the middle of your underwear. The absorbent side should face upwards.
If the pad has wings, fold them around the underside of your underwear.
Pull your underwear back up and check that the pad feels comfortable. If it sits in the wrong place, move it until it feels right.
Changing Your Pad During the School Day
You do not have to wait for a particular time to change your pad.
Change it when it feels wet, full, uncomfortable, or close to leaking. If your bleeding gets heavier, you may need to change it more often.
Wrap the used pad in toilet paper or its wrapper and put it in a bin.
Do not flush it down the toilet.
What If Your Period Leaks at School?
How to Deal With a Stain
Seeing blood on your trousers can be embarrassing, especially when it is your first period.
If you have a jumper, cardigan, or jacket, tie it around your waist for now. Then find somewhere private and sort out what you need.
You can ask a friend for help or speak to someone at the school office.
If you get blood on your clothes, rinse the stain with cold water when you can. Avoid hot water because it can make blood stains harder to remove.
What to Do If You Need a Change of Clothes
Ask the school office or nurse if they have spare clothes.
If they do not, call your parent or guardian. They may be able to bring you a clean pair of trousers, leggings, or underwear.
You may feel like everyone has noticed the stain. Usually, they have not. Once you have changed and cleaned up, you can get on with your day.
What If You Feel Embarrassed About Your First Period?
You Do Not Have to Hide It
You do not need to tell your whole class about your period. It is private.
At the same time, there is no reason to feel ashamed if someone finds out. Periods happen. Getting one at school does not mean you have done anything wrong.
If you need a pad, want to change your clothes, or feel unwell, say so. Keeping quiet because you feel embarrassed can make things harder.
Who Can You Ask for Help?
Think about who you would feel most comfortable talking to.
It could be your friend, teacher, school nurse, counsellor, parent, guardian, or another adult at school.
You do not need a perfect explanation. “I have started my period and I need some help” is enough.
How Can You Prepare for Your Next Period at School?
Keep a Small Period Kit in Your Bag
A small pouch in your school bag can save you a lot of worry later.
Put in a few pads and a spare pair of underwear. Tissues or wipes can also be useful. If you have enough space, keep a pair of leggings or trousers with you.
You do not need to carry lots of things. Just keep enough for an unexpected period or a leak.
Keep Track of When Your Period May Come
Your first few periods may not follow a regular pattern. Do not worry if one comes earlier or later than you expected.
Write down the first day of your period in a calendar, phone note, or period tracking app. After a few cycles, you may start to see a pattern.
Still, keep a couple of pads in your bag. Your period will not always stick to your predicted date.
When Should You Tell a Parent or Trusted Adult?
Tell a parent, guardian, or another adult you trust when your first period starts. They can help you get the supplies you need and answer questions.
Also speak to an adult if you have very heavy bleeding, feel faint or very unwell, or have pain that makes it difficult to do your normal activities.
If something worries you, ask about it. You do not have to decide on your own whether something is normal.
FAQs
What should I do if I get my first period at school?
Go to the bathroom and check your underwear. Get a pad from your bag, a friend, teacher, school nurse, or office. If you need help, tell someone.
What if I do not have a pad at school?
Ask a friend or member of staff for one. Folded toilet paper can help for a short time while you find a pad.
What if I bleed through my clothes at school?
Tie a jacket or jumper around your waist if you have one. Then ask the school office or nurse for help. They may have spare clothes, or you can call home.
Should I tell my teacher if I get my period?
Tell your teacher if you need a bathroom break, a pad, or help with a leak. You can ask to speak privately.
Can I still go to class when I have my period?
Yes. You can usually stay at school and continue your normal activities. Take a bathroom break when you need to change your pad.
What should I keep in my school period kit?
Keep a few pads and a spare pair of underwear. Tissues, wipes, and spare trousers or leggings can also be useful.
Is it normal to feel embarrassed about getting your period at school?
Yes. Your first period can feel awkward because you have never dealt with it before. Once you know what to do, it usually feels much less stressful.
What if I get period cramps at school?
Tell an adult if cramps are making it difficult to concentrate or take part in school activities. Rest, gentle movement, or warmth can help with mild cramps.
When should I tell an adult about period pain?
Tell an adult if the pain is severe, keeps you from your normal activities, or feels much worse than usual. They can help you decide what to do next.