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Keeping our bodies safe is important and the NSPCC has the PANTS rule to help.

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Celebrating 10 years of Talk PANTS!

Pantosaurus has helped 1.5 million parents Talk PANTS and keep their children safe from sexual abuse.

Developed in consultation with children, parents, carers and teachers, Talk PANTS is here to help children understand their body belongs to them, and they should tell a safe adult they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried.

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Our PANTS activity pack makes it easy to talk to your child about staying safe from harm. With a word search, dot-to-dot and maze game, you can help them learn without using any scary words.

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Boys will notice changes to their bodies between 11-18 years of age. But there’s no set timetable, so don’t worry if you reach puberty before or after your friends. It’s completely normal for puberty to begin at any point from the ages of 8 to 14. The process takes about four years overall.
The most common changes are:

a rapid growth in height

hair growth under arms, between legs and on the face;

a widening of the shoulders

muscles becoming more developed creating an angular outline to the body

a much deeper voice – called ‘breaking’

the enlarging of the reproductive organs and sperm production beginning.

These changes happen over 3–4 years.

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•Arms and legs

•Chest

•Back
•Genital Area

•Ears and nose

•Lots of men trim their nose, ears and body hair (called male grooming), some body builders wax or shave off all their hair while other men like being hairy.

•Its fine either way but when you are older you can decide.

•You may want to start shaving your beard when you go to high school, you don’t want to cut yourself while shaving.

•Talk to your dad, older brother or trust male adult for advice.

•Don’t be embarrassed they will have been there and will understand how you feel.

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Scrotum. The bag of skin that holds and helps to protect the testicles.
Testes (testicles). The testes are 2 small organs that are found inside the scrotum. The testes are responsible for making sperm and are also involved in producing a hormone called testosterone.
Epididymis. A long tube that is located near each testicle. The epididymis is the tube which moves the sperm from the testicles.
Vas deferens. This is a tube in which the sperm is stored and it carries the sperm out of the scrotal sac.
Seminal vesicles. The sac-like glands that lie behind the bladder and release a fluid that forms part of semen.
Urethra. This is a tube that allows urine to flow outside the body. It is also the channel for semen to pass during ejaculation. The brain signals the bladder muscles to tighten. This squeezes urine out of the bladder.
Penis. The external reproductive organ of the male. The penis is made up of 2 parts, the shaft and the glans. The glans is the tip of the penis, while the shaft is the main part of the penis and contains the tube (urethra) that drains the bladder.
Foreskin. All boys are born with a foreskin, or a covering over the tip of the penis. Some boys are circumcised. This means that this covering of skin is removed.

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•When penis becomes hard and stiff.

•You have been having them since a baby in nappies.

•Most boys wake up with them most mornings.

•Cant always control them.

•Sometimes happens when you are not expecting it. Might be on bus, train or at school. If so may have to walk out of the room or sit down for short while. It is very normal.

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You might notice that you have frequent changes in your mood
One minute they might be full of energy and fun, and the next be tired and grumpy.
Angry and irritable
Tearful and / or low in mood
Have low self–esteem

These swings in mood during puberty are very common.

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Wet dreams are when a person orgasms involuntarily while they are sleeping because of a dream, which may or may not be erotic.

They are called wet dreams because when a male has this type of dream, he may awaken with wet clothing or bedding. This is because semen, the fluid containing sperm, is released during ejaculation.

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It is not unusually for sleep patterns to change when going through puberty. A good bedtime routine, limiting screen time and getting regular exercise can help with getting a great nights sleep. There is lots of information and a free e-book in the Sleep Hub.

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Our aim?

It's quite simple really. We want you to get the support you need to achieve a good night's sleep.

Sometimes you may feel you have little or no control over your sleep but we're here to make sure you get access to accurate, relevant information so you can
make informed choices about your sleep, but also the tools to help you put it into practice.

Together we will empower you to make changes to your own sleep patterns, putting you at the centre of discussions around your sleep needs.

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Advice and information for teens and young people, with top tips to help you if you are struggling with your sleep.

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Talking about periods

Try to talk about periods as an ongoing process rather than a formal sit-down talk.

You can use TV ads for tampons, or buying sanitary towels at the supermarket, for example, to start the conversation about periods. Or simply ask your daughter what she already knows and go from there.

Use clear language, like "vagina". Emphasise that periods are completely normal and natural - they're part of growing up.

Boys also need to learn about periods. Talk to them in the same way as girls about the practicalities, mood changes that can come with periods, and the biological reason behind periods. It will keep them informed, as well as help them to understand about periods.

When a girl starts her periods it's a sign that her body is now able to have a baby. It's important that she also knows about getting pregnant and contraception.

The questions girls ask about periods

Here are some of the questions that you, as a parent, might get asked by girls about periods, with suggestions on how to answer them:

How will I know when my periods are going to start?

Signs that your period is on its way are if you've grown underarm and pubic hair. Typically, you'll start your periods about 2 years after your breasts start growing. The average girl will get her first period around 12 years old, but it varies from person to person.

Why have my periods not started yet?

Your periods will start when your body is ready. This is usually between age 8 and 17, or 2 years after your first signs of puberty.

Possible reasons for delayed periods include being underweight, doing lots of exercise (including dance, gymnastics and athletics), stress and a hormone imbalance.

See a GP if your periods have not started by age 15 (or 13 if you do not have any other signs of puberty). Your GP may suggest a blood test to check your hormone levels.

You may be referred to a specialist (usually a gynaecologist - a specialist in women's health) to find out what's causing your delayed periods and discuss any treatments that might help.

How do I get ready for my first period?

Talk to your parent or another adult you trust about what you can expect before it actually happens.

It's a good idea to start carrying sanitary pads or tampons around with you in advance.

If you find yourself at school without a pad or tampon, ask a teacher or the school nurse for some.

How long will my first period last?

Your first period might not last very long, as it can take your body some months to get into a regular pattern. As a general rule, once they're settled, you'll have a period every 23 to 35 days and it will last 2 to 7 days.

How much blood will I lose?

It might seem a lot, but it's only about 20 to 90ml (about 1 to 5 tablespoons). It's not a sudden gush - you'll just see a reddish-brown stain on your pants or on your sheets when you wake up in the morning.

What if period blood leaks through my clothes?

There are ways of covering up stains until you're able to change your clothes, such as tying a sweatshirt around your waist. Keep a spare pair of pants and tights at school or in your bag.

Should I use pads, tampons, menstrual cups or period underwear?

This is up to you. Tampons, menstrual cups, disposable or reusable pads (towels) and period underwear are safe and suitable if you've just started your period. You might want to use pads for your very first period as tampons and cups can take some getting used to. It might be worth experimenting until you find the product that suits you best.

Can a tampon get lost inside me?

No, it can't. When you insert a tampon, it stays in your vagina. All tampons come with a string at one end that is designed to stay outside your body. You can remove the tampon at any time using this string.

Read the full answer to Can a tampon get lost inside me?

What if I forget to remove my tampon?

If you forget to remove your tampon, it can turn sideways or become compressed at the top of your vagina. This can make it difficult for you to pull it out. If you think you've left a tampon in and you can't get it out, go to your GP or nearest sexual health clinic. They can remove it for you.

Read the full answer to What if I forget to remove my tampon?

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Most girls start their periods when they're about 12, but they can start as early as 8, so it's important to talk to girls from an early age to make sure they're prepared.

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Solihull offer online courses and resources for parents of children living in the Luton area , understand your child's development , behaviour and more

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FREE online learning for ALL parents, carers and grandparents living in Luton who care for children and teenagers. Designed to help you recognise emotions in yourself and your child that bring changes in behaviour, the learning is split into five sections:

Log on via: www.inourplace.co.uk

Sign up and when prompted apply the access code: HATTERS

See our animation below for full details.

The programme is being introduced in the borough by Luton Council's Flying Start and Luton 0-19 Children's Community Health Services with a particular emphasis on fathers, and is available in English and Polish with audio options also available in English and Urdu.

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FREE online learning for ALL parents, carers and grandparents living in Luton who care for children and teenagers. Designed to help you recognise emotions in yourself and your child that bring changes in behaviour, the learning is split into five sections: Log on via: www.inourplace.co.uk Sign up and when prompted apply the access code: HATTERS See our animation below for full details.

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CoppaFeel!'s

Whatever your age or gender, knowing your body and being aware of the symptoms of breast cancer is really important. It's why we made this handy video to show you how it's done.

Hand, meet, boob Get the low down on checking your chest

You can watch the British Sign Language version of this video by clicking below.

Play the video

Get a Regular
Boob Check
Reminder

Knowing your boobs could save your life, so sign up for one of our regular reminders to check your boobs.
Remind Me

You can check in any way that feels comfortable for you.

In the shower, when you're lying down in bed or in the mirror before you get dressed. However you want to check, we have some handy pointers to help.

Check regularly

We believe boob checking should be part of your monthly routine so that you will notice any unusual changes quickly. By checking on a regular basis, you will also build confidence of knowing what is normal for you each month. Everyone has to start somewhere, so don't worry if you're not feeling confident straight away.

Know what's normal for you

Being breast aware simply means knowing what is normal for your boobs or pecs. If you have periods, it's likely you'll find that your boobs will naturally change as part of your cycle each month. It is important to get to know the normal rhythm of your boobs so you will be able to detect anything unusual quickly.

Look and Feel

Many of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer are changes you would only notice by looking at the appearance of your boobs. We recommend coppin' a feel and taking a look during your checks.

Remember your Collarbone and armpits

Breast tissue isn't only found in your boobs. It reaches all the way up to your collarbone and underneath your armpit so this whole area should be checked each time too. This is the same for all genders.

If in doubt, get it checked out

Your doctor is the only person who can refer you for further examination so we encourage people to visit their doctor after a week of monitoring the symptom if it doesn't go away.

Get clued up on the signs of breast cancer

Breast cancer doesn't just show up as a lump so getting to know all the symptoms will help you detect anything suspect quickly. Remember that some of these changes might occur naturally with your cycle, if you have periods and can be perfectly normal.
Signs and symptoms

Test your knowledge

So you've seen the video and now you want to put your knowledge to the test - we've developed an interactive learning module to help you get to grips with all things norks and separate boob fact from fiction. Click the button below to have a go at our interactive learning module CoppaCollege, supported by Avon.
Take a Boob Class

© CoppaFeel! 2022
CoppaFeel is a registered charity in England and Wales (1132366) and Scotland (SC045970) & a company limited by guarantee (06974733). VAT Number: 388465343
Registered office Unit 4, Bickels Yard, 151-153 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3HA

Privacy policy | Terms of use | Cookie policy | Cookie settings

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Being Breast Cancer Aware | How to Check | CoppaFeel!

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CoppaFeel!'s Whatever your age or gender, knowing your body and being aware of the symptoms of breast cancer is really important. It's why we made this handy video to show you how it's done. Hand, meet, boob Get the low down on checking your chest You can watch the British Sign Language version of this video by clicking below.

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It is important to have regular screening once you are 25 year old. The NHS will invite you and you can ask any questions. The HPV vaccination will help to protect you from the virus that can cause changes to the cells in the cervix.

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Find out about the NHS cervical screening programme, including when it's offered, how to book, what happens at your appointment, getting your results and how it can help protect you from cervical cancer.

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The average age for girls to begin puberty is 11, while for boys the average age is 12. But there’s no set timetable, so don’t worry if you reach puberty before or after your friends. It’s completely normal for puberty to begin at any point from the ages of 8 to 14. The process takes about four years overall.

The most common changes are:

Breast start to develop.

Pubic hair starts to grow.

Hair growth on legs and arm.

Girls start to sweat.

Underarm hair begins to grow.

Girls often get acne.

Girls go through a growth spurt.

Pelvis widens.

Girls have a white vaginal discharge.

Around 2 years after beginning puberty, girls usually have their first period.

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It’s normal for breast buds to sometimes be very tender or for one breast to start to develop several months before the other one. it is also normal if one breast is slightly larger then the other.
Once you start to see breast developing you may need to start thinking about wearing a bra to support your breasts.

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You will start to grow hair around your pubic area (above vulva) and under your arms. This usually happens after you start to develop breasts, but for some girls, pubic hair starts first. You will probably get pubic hair before you get underarm hair. Underarm hair usually comes near the end of puberty. At first, you will likely just have a few fine hairs in your pubic area and under your arms. Late in puberty, the hair will become thicker and curlier. Some girls decide to shave the hair under their arms.

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You may notice that as you are growing and developing, your body shape is naturally becoming curvier. Your hips actually widen during this time to prepare to carry a baby in the future. Hereditary (the genes you get from your parents) also has a lot to do with what your body shape will be.

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Virginal discharge is a clear or cloudy fluid produced by your body to moisten and cleanse the vagina.
Before you start your period, you'll probably notice yellow or white stains inside your underwear. This is natural moisture from the vagina.
This is all perfectly normal.

Sometimes, vaginal discharge can become white, clumpy, thick or milky. In this case, you might have a yeast infection. Talk to your parents or doctor if you have any questions.

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Periods (menstruation) usually begin around two years after you first notice early signs of puberty.
Most girls start their periods when they're about 12, but they can start as early as 8.

When you first start your periods (menstruation), it can be unpredictable, it typically takes 1-2 years for cycles to develop, so you may not be regular for a while.

Every girl develops differently and at her own pace, so don’t be discouraged.

Frequently asked Questions

How often do periods come?

When you have your first period it may only last one or two days, and then you might not get another one for a couple of months.

At first your periods may not be regular. It takes abut 2 years for your periods to become regular.

It may not be every 28 days, but it is often somewhere between 21 days and about 35 days.

How long do periods last?

Some girls have short periods (they last about 3 days) but others have longer ones (maybe up to a week).

Your pattern will usually stay the same once your periods get regular.

How much blood do you loose?

The average amount of loss is 50ml over 2-7 days. Everyone is different. If this is the normal pattern for you then there is probably no problem. If you are underweight or an athlete in training then this could be the cause.

Period pain (cramps)

Many girls get cramping pains in their tummy around the beginning of some of their periods - but not all girls get them. Often the cramps start before you begin to lose blood.

You can use a hot water bottle to ease the pain. If you have bad cramps, there are some medications that really help, so don't be afraid to tell someone. Talk to your Parent /carer,  your doctor or chemist.

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Is it OK to do sport when you're having a period?

Yes! Exercise is good for releasing tension, pain and stress and releases chemicals which make you feel good. Periods are part of a female's life and need not stop anyone from carrying on her usual activities.

How often do you need to change your sanitary towel

You should be changing your sanitary towel every 2 hours or every time you go to the toilet. Remember to dispose of them in a special bin. Never flash them down the toilet.

Tampons

Tampons absorb menstrual blood like sanitary towels, but they work from inside the vagina.

Some tampons have applicators, which are plastic or cardboard tubes that help put the tampon in place. Other tampons can be inserted using your fingers.

You should wait until your periods are regular before you starts using tampons.

Leaving a tampon for too long puts you at a risk of developing Toxic Shock Syndrome. It can be very serious and life threatening.

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Exercising everyday keeps your body fit and help you develop strong healthy muscles. It can also help you to feel good and give you confidence.

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Get the kids moving with these fun games inspired by some of their favourite Disney characters.

These boredom-busting activities will help them reach the 60 active minutes they need every day!

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10 Minute Shake Up games - Healthier Families

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Find loads of fun, active, play-along games inspired by the kids' favourite Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters to help them move more.

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Keeping clean is so important. As your body changes, you will start to sweat more and when this mixes with the bacteria on the skin, it causes a smell! Taking regular baths or showers, wearing clean clothes and using anti perspirant deodorant can help keep you feeling and smelling fresh!

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How to care for the teeth children aged 7+ with Dr Ranj and Supertooth!

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Eating regularly healthy meals will ensure that your body has all the energy and nutrition it needs. During puberty your body needs this to grow taller and stronger. Drinking plenty of water, sugar free drinks or milk is important too.

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The Eatwell Guide shows how much of what we eat overall should come from each food group to achieve a healthy, balanced diet.
You do not need to achieve this balance with every meal, but try to get the balance right over a day or even a week.

Most of us still are not eating enough fruit and vegetables. They should make up over a third of the food we eat each day.

Aim to eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and veg each day. Choose from fresh, frozen, tinned, dried or juiced.

Remember that fruit juice and smoothies should be limited to no more than a combined total of 150ml a day.

Fruit and vegetables are a good source of vitamins, minerals and fibre.
Find out more about how to get your 5 A Day

Starchy food should make up just over a third of the food we eat. Choose higher fibre wholegrain varieties, such as wholewheat pasta and brown rice, or simply leave skins on potatoes.

There are also higher fibre versions of white bread and pasta.

Starchy foods are a good source of energy and the main source of a range of nutrients in our diet.
Find out more about starchy foods

Milk, cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais are good sources of protein and some vitamins, and they're also an important source of calcium, which helps keep our bones healthy.

Try to go for lower-fat and lower-sugar products where possible, like 1% fat milk, reduced-fat cheese or plain low-fat yoghurt.
Find out more about milk and dairy foods

These foods are good sources of protein, vitamins and minerals. Pulses, such as beans, peas and lentils, are good alternatives to meat because they're lower in fat and higher in fibre and protein, too.

Choose lean cuts of meat and mince, and eat less red and processed meat like bacon, ham and sausages.

Aim for at least 2 portions of fish every week, 1 of which should be oily, such as salmon or mackerel.

Find out about pulses, fish, eggs and meat.

Unsaturated fats are healthier fats and include vegetable, rapeseed, olive and sunflower oils.

Remember all types of fat are high in energy and should be eaten sparingly.
Find out more about the different types of fat in our diet

These foods include chocolate, cakes, biscuits, sugary soft drinks, butter, ghee and ice cream.

They're not needed in our diet, so should be eaten less often and in smaller amounts.
Get tips on cutting down on sugar

Water, lower-fat milks and lower-sugar or sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count.

Fruit juice and smoothies also count towards your fluid consumption, but they contain free sugars that can damage teeth, so limit these drinks to a combined total of 150ml a day.
Find out more about water, drinks and your health

How does the Eatwell Guide work?

The Eatwell Guide divides the foods we eat and drink into 5 main food groups.

Try to choose a variety of different foods from each of the groups to help you get the wide range of nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.

It's important to get some fat in your diet, but foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar have been placed outside of the circular image as they're not necessary as part of a healthy, balanced diet and most of us need to cut down on these.

Unsaturated fats from plant sources (for example, vegetable oil or olive oil) are healthier types of fat.

But all types of fat are high in energy (calories), so they should only be eaten in small amounts.

On average, women should have around 2,000 calories a day (8,400 kilojoules) and men should have around 2,500 calories a day (10,500 kilojoules). Most adults consume more calories than they need.

Find out how food labels can help you choose between foods and pick those lower in calories, fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt.

Combination foods

Many foods, such as pizzas, casseroles, pasta dishes and sandwiches, are combinations of the food groups in the Eatwell Guide.

With these meals, check the ingredients and think about how these fit with the sections on the guide to help you achieve a balanced diet.

Does the Eatwell Guide apply to everyone?

The Eatwell Guide applies to most of us, whether we're a healthy weight or overweight, whether we eat meat or are vegetarian, and no matter what our ethnic origin.

Anyone with special dietary requirements or medical needs might want to check with a registered dietitian on how to adapt the Eatwell Guide to meet their individual needs.

Children under the age of 2

The Eatwell Guide does not apply to children under the age of 2 because they have different nutritional needs.

Between the ages of 2 and 5, children should gradually move to eating the same foods as the rest of the family in the proportions shown in the Eatwell Guide.

Read more about babies, toddlers and young children's nutritional needs in Your baby's first solid foods.

Download the Eatwell Guide booklet

For more information, including details of which foods are included in the food groups, download GOV.UK's The Eatwell Guide.

Healthy eating support

Food and diet advice on the NHS website includes:

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The Eatwell Guide shows how much of what we eat overall should come from each food group to achieve a healthy, balanced diet. You do not need to achieve this balance with every meal, but try to get the balance right over a day or even a week.

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ChatHealth, a text service for 11-19 year olds in Bedfordshire - 07507 331450
ChatHealth, a text service for 11-19 year olds in Luton - 07520 616070

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Supporting The Hygiene Bank is a simple way to help not just one organisation, but multiple grassroots initiatives across the UK tackling a wide range of issues from poverty to domestic abuse and disability.

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•Boys usually start to go through puberty at around 11-13years and finish by 16-18years.

•Girls usually start at around 9-12 years and finish by 15-17 years

But remember everyone is individual and will mature at different times

How does puberty start?
A signal is released from the pituitary gland in your brain releasing hormones.

•Testosterone (boys)

•Oestrogen (girls)

•Progesterone  (girls)

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•Boys have a growth spurt at around age 14-15.

•Girls have a growth spurt at around age 13-14.

•Girls will be taller than the boys for a while but the boys will catch up and take over.

Hands and feet grow first, this can make you clumsy

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•Voice doesn't actually break

•It’s a process that can take up to 6 months to be completed

•The vocal cords grow longer and become thicker making voice deeper by up to an octave.

•Can sound a bit squeaky

•Also voice box tilts giving boys an ‘Adam’s apple’

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Your skin may get oilier. You may get some pimples and acne. This is because of more hormones and oil glands that become more active during puberty. Wash your skin at least once daily with soap and warm water. Don’t scrub too hard because this can irritate your skin and cause even more acne. Wash your hair regularly and keep your face and hands clean. You can treat acne with medications that you can buy in a pharmacy, or get from your primary care clinician or a dermatologist (a doctor that treats skin problems) if the problem is more serious.

How to treat it
•Use face wash regularly.

•Drink plenty of water and avoid greasy food.

•You can use over-the-counter medicine.

•See your GP if your acne is moderate or severe, or over-the-counter medicine hasn't worked, as you probably need prescription medication.

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•Underarms may start to become sweaty- hair catches the sweat and holds on to the smell.

•Time to start to use deodorant or roll on.

•You will need to be washing underarms daily then applying deodorants/roll on after each wash.

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Puberty is the common term used to describe the physical and emotional changes that happen to your body when you grow and develop from a child into an adult. It happens to both boys and girls and can be a very confusing time for young people.

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We will give you all the information you need 

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We will talk to you about...
.... body odour
.... feeling emotional
.... hair
.... periods
.... spots
.... body shape and voice dropping
... sperm and wet dreams