Study finds period insecurity may stop girls from playing sports

The results of the survey tie in with issues around period and hygiene poverty, which impact a growing number of young girls and their families each year in the UK.

Earlier this year, the BBC reported that a large number of teenagers still feel upset and embarrassed about getting their period at school, largely due to a lack of access to period products.

The anxiety and shame around a leaked period can have a huge impact on young girls’ mental health, as well as their academic performance.

Some have argued that a solution lies in adequate role models.

Dr Jackie Day-Garner, associate dean of the School of Health, Social Work, and Sport, argues that teenage girls could be encouraged to take part in sport by social media influences, athletes, and active mothers.

But it’s no good shifting the responsibility onto other women’s shoulders, especially when those in the sports sector face such intense criticism from the public.

Just this year, team USA footballer Megan Rapinoe slammed the ‘deep misogyny’ in Spanish football after Luis Rubiales forcibly kissed Spain forward Jenni Hermoso without her consent. Despite being caught live on air, Rubiales continues to deny these allegations.

Even Nike, one of the biggest names in the sports world, sparked controversy this summer when they refused to release England goalkeeper Mary Earps’ shirt. After a months-long battle, the kit finally launched last week. To nobody’s surprise, it sold out in minutes.

While major sports figureheads continue to undervalue women athletes, it’s no surprise that young girls lack confidence when taking part in physical activities.

And government efforts to break down barriers for young girls in sport aren’t nationwide, either. In Northern Ireland, Department for Education funding to provide period products in schools has been cut by 40%.

A Department for Educations spokesperson said: ‘Building on an inspirational summer of British sport, including the success of the Lionesses in this year’s Women’s World Cup, we want to ensure all children have the opportunities to follow in their sporting heroes’ footsteps.’

But we shouldn’t wait for women to succeed before we deem them worthy of taking part.

It’s important sport is presented as a safe environment for young girls, so they feel included in these spaces as early as possible.

Imagine what the sporting landscape would look like, if only we told girls they were good enough to join in.