There are calls for better support for girls having their periods at a younger age.
A 10-year-old girl going through menstruation was excluded from her school, until she provided a sanitary bin.
The principal of the school, which we have chosen not to name, also suggested the girl go on the contraceptive pill, to stop her menstruating while at school.
University of Otago researcher Dr Sarah Donovan told Larry Williams we need to be having an open conversation.
She said there is a definite social inequality problem highlighted by issues around age and health inequity.
