Often what comes first is puberty, followed closely by periods with education about both lagging far behind.

With many girls experiencing their first period (menarche) in 5th grade, and some in second (or even first grade), waiting until 6th grade to offer puberty/sex ed makes no sense.

If girls received information and education about changes they would soon experience BEFORE they experienced them and felt prepared, they would be empowered to embrace the changes. What a difference it would make in their comfort level and ability to accept the changes and feel good about themselves and the changes they experience and see in their peers.

For more about this, check out NPR’s piece: Puberty Is Coming Earlier, But That Doesn’t Mean Sex Ed Is.