Menstrual products are available for free in public school buildings with grades 4 and above. This is required by New York City and New York State laws. The laws are part of the city's commitment to menstrual equity. This is when every person has:
- fair access to period products
- stigma-free education
New York City Public Schools supports menstrual equity and the health and well-being of students who menstruate. The guide below includes information on:
- students' rights to period products
- puberty and periods
- period care
- how to find health care services
Know Your Period: The NYC Student Guide
The NYC student period guide informs and empowers students in every borough. The guide answers questions about puberty and menstruation. It reminds students that free period products are available in restrooms at school.
As they grow up, students can return to the guide year after year, as a supplement to lessons taught in their Health Education classes. Educators, families, nurses, counselors, and other adults who support students can use this guide as a resource. It is printable and available in twelve languages.
This guide was created by New York City Public Schools and the New York City Commission on Gender Equity.