Girls are worried about having enough money for period products in the cost of living crisis

period products

Credit: Getty Images

Life


Girls are worried about having enough money for period products in the cost of living crisis

By Katie Rosseinsky

2 years ago

2 min read

Girlguiding’s new survey shines a light on the toll that the cost of living crisis is having on girls’ mental health. 


Around one in five girls and young women are worried about having enough money for period products, according to a new report.

Girlguiding’s annual Girls Attitudes Survey, which polled 2,614 girls and young women in the UK, found that 21% of 11–21-year-olds were concerned about not being able to afford sanitary products and pain relief medication during their period.

The research has highlighted the effect that the cost of living crisis is having on girls’ mental health, with many concerned about the cost of everyday items.

21% of the same age group said they worry about their family not having enough food, while 40% of seven to 21-year-olds reported hearing their parents or carers talking about cutting costs in order to save money.

It’s not just shorter-term worries that are playing on young women’s minds against the current uncertain economic backdrop. The Girlguiding survey found that 59% of 11–21-year-olds feared they would not be able to afford to buy their own home, with 50% concerned that they will not be able to afford to rent a property. 

Meanwhile 40% feared not having enough money to go to university, with more than half (55%) worrying that they will not be able to find a job after they finish their education.

These worries, the survey found, are causing girls to cut back on the things they love doing, with 43% of the respondents saying they now spend less money on hobbies including travel, books and leisure activities because of financial fears.

These statistics are a stark reminder of how the cost of living crisis is impacting young people, and even shaping their attitude to the future.

“The mental toll the cost of living crisis is having on girls in the UK is concerning,” Angela Salt, Girlguiding’s chief executive, told The i. “Our research shows just how these worries impact their day-to-day lives, with girls concerned over access to basic necessities, like food and period products.

period illustration

Credit: Getty

“For the majority of girls, instead of looking to the future with hope and excitement, they fear debt, not being able to get a job, afford rent, university or ever owning their own home.”

Period products are currently free in Scotland, after the Period Products (Free Provision) Act came into force in 2022, which ensures that councils and education providers must make sanitary towels and tampons available for free for anyone who needs them.

In a survey by YouGov last August, one in eight (13%) people who have periods said it was likely that they wouldn’t be able to afford sanitary products over the next 12 months.

Girlguiding’s annual Girls Attitudes Survey 2023 will be released in full later this year. 


Images: Getty

Get the Stylist app

Sign in once and stay logged in to access everything you love about Stylist in one place.

QR code

Works on iOS and Android

Sign up for the latest news and must-read features from Stylist, so you don’t miss out on the conversation.

By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy

Thank you!

You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.