
Using Social Media To Communicate Effectively with Young People about Menstruation


You can download our guidance in:
ENGLISH (original)
SPANISH (translated by Mayella Almazán)
TRADITIONAL CHINESE (translated by Free Periods Hong Kong)
CANTONESE (translated by Free Periods Hong Kong)
It is so important that academic research has a positive impact on the world around us. My research explores the impact of health communication on social inequalities. I work with organisations to tackle these inequalities through inclusive, accessible, and non-stigmatising communication and education.
I researched the influence of the period movement and the media on young people to understand how they have impacted young people's knowledge and attitudes towards periods, and to see what more can be done to better support young women and people who menstruate. I aim to contribute towards destigmatising menstruation so that everybody feels comfortable talking about periods. I also hope to improve young people's knowledge about important health and social issues related to menstruation such as period poverty, endometriosis, and reusable products.
So, as my research on the period movement seeks to improve how advocates communicate with young people, I have teamed up with menstrual health advocacy expert Acushla Young. Based on my research with young people, Acushla has written six key principles for effective communication with young people via social media. This guidance is for organisations, communities, and individuals who want to ensure that their social media is creating meaningful impact through engaging, educating, and empowering young people.
If you have used this guidance, we would love to hear from you.
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Collaborations with Irise International
Click on the image above to see a video about our work
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Chrissy Cattle, CEO at Irise International
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Acushla Young, Director of Programmes & Development at Irise International
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Sabiha Ali, Period Champion, Student
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Maria Ashmore, Senior Health Services Manager at Zest Centre.
Filmed by Will Armson, funded by the University of Sheffield
