Creating a safe space for talking puberty and periods (not just awkward silence)

Let’s be honest. Talking testes, pubic hair and blood flow with a class full of tweens can feel like navigating a minefield. There’s the awkward giggles, the whispered comments, and the general air of "please, can we just pretend this isn't happening?". 

But here's the thing: us teachers can't pretend. It’s our job to banish shame, reassure students that it’s ok to feel unsure, hesitant, or downright freaked out – and create a safe space that gives them the confidence to ask questions. 

Because puberty education isn't just about getting the facts right, or meeting curriculum requirements. It's about building understanding and empathy for others, in a supportive environment where everyone feels seen and heard. 

Building trust and understanding 

At kiin, we want to ditch those hushed tones and vague euphemisms. We’ve put together fun, frank teaching resources to help you discuss puberty and all its confusing messiness with your class, whether they’re aged 8-10, or a little older at 11-14.  

In the meantime, here are some ideas for how to turn awkward silence into a meaningful and open dialogue. 

Privacy is paramount: Remind students not to share personal details in class. This isn't a confessional. Remind them that you’re here to talk before or after class, and share a list of trusted adults they can turn to as well.  

Respect boundaries: Make it crystal clear that personal questions aren’t appropriate. Everyone has the right to feel comfortable and respected in class.  

Language matters: Using the correct words is crucial for fostering respect and clarity. Ditch the euphemisms and embrace accurate terminology. 

Every voice counts: Create a space where every experience and every opinion is valued, so that students feel comfortable speaking up. There’s no such thing as a silly question. (Plus the odds are someone else is wondering the exact same thing!) 

Anonymous questions: The anonymous question box is your secret weapon. It allows students to ask those sensitive questions without fear of judgment – and it's a game-changer for students too shy to raise their hand. 

Safeguarding first: And of course, remind yourself of safeguarding practices. If a student discloses a personal matter that raises concerns, follow your school's safeguarding and child protection policy and inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead. 

Because it's more than just a lesson 

Let's face it, teaching puberty and periods can be challenging. But it's also incredibly rewarding. By creating a safe and supportive space, we can empower our students to navigate this important stage of their lives with confidence and understanding.  

We can show our students that puberty and periods are normal, natural, and nothing to be ashamed of. Because we’re not just teaching biology. We’re teaching life skills. 

You’ll find more ideas for creating a safe learning space in our teacher’s guides, available for download as part of each kiin education resource pack. They include a “vibe check”, a 10-minute activity designed to help you settle your class, establish ground rules, and reflect on what they already know.