Back

Interrelate launches 'Cringe Quest' to change the way kids learn about periods

INTERRELATE

From period panic to power play:

Interrelate launches ‘Cringe Quest’ to change the way kids learn about periods

 

“How wonderful it is for my girls to know about their bodies early on, so nothing is scary.

I wish someone had talked to me about this when I was young, about the ranges of ‘normal’, about what to expect, and about what to accept.

The way Cringe Quest is facilitated and explained makes the whole concept so relaxed and educational.”

April Showers, mother of two primary school aged girls

 

A new interactive game is helping take the cringe out of one of life’s most awkward, and important, experiences.

 

Cringe Quest is a free online educational game designed for eight to 12 year olds, that tackles the embarrassment and misinformation that often surrounds menstruation. Instead of one-off lessons or awkward chats, students embark on a quest, navigating real-life scenarios, making decisions, and building confidence along the way. And yes, it’s fun!!

 

Developed by Interrelate, one of Australia’s leading not-for-profit relationship service providers which this year marks 100 years of working with families and is one of the country’s largest providers of Relationship and Sexuality education in schools, the game launched today to mark Menstrual Hygiene Day.

 

STILLS IMAGERY HERE

OVERLAY AND INTERVIEW VNR: https://f.io/6YjrDuFW

Interviewees in order:

• Sarah Jones – Stage 3 Teacher at Sydney Montessori School
• April Showers – Mum of two primary aged girls
• Kristy Turnbull –Interrelate Practice Specialist – Relationship and Sexuality Education

 

Supported by the Modibodi GameChanger Grant and created in partnership with Brisbane-based Activate Studios, Cringe Quest is designed to complement existing puberty education while fostering empathy, inclusion and confidence among all students, boys included.

 

Interrelate Practice Specialist – Relationship and Sexuality Education, Kristy Turnbull, said the initiative was driven by a clear and urgent need.

 

“We know these conversations can feel uncomfortable, for students, parents and even teachers, but they are incredibly important,” she said. “When we looked at how young people are learning about menstruation today, we saw a clear opportunity to do better, to create something engaging, inclusive and confidence-building.”

 

Through a series of national “Think Tank” sessions with experts, teachers and students, Interrelate uncovered significant challenges in how menstruation is currently taught:

• 42% of students reported feeling embarrassed during period education
• Ongoing stigma and misinformation continues to shape attitudes
• Boys are often excluded from meaningful learning
• Many young people feel anxious about what is “normal”

 

At the same time, educators highlighted the powerful impact of creating safe, open spaces for discussion,  moments where understanding replaces fear, and confidence begins to grow.

 

Cringe Quest was developed in direct response to these insights.

 

“We heard everything from ‘it’s embarrassing and gross’ to genuine anxiety about pain and what to expect,” Mrs Turnbull said. “We realised we needed to go beyond just facts; we needed to build confidence, empathy and real understanding.”

 

Through the Cringe Quest gameplay, students explore everyday scenarios at school, home and in public, learning how to respond, communicate and support themselves and others. The result is a learning experience that feels less like a lesson, and more like a conversation.

 

“In a world where young people are exposed to constant information about relationships, bodies and identity through social media, streaming platforms and online communities, menstruation remains one of the most important topics wrapped in awkwardness and silence,” said Mrs Turnbull.

 

Cringe Quest aims to change that.

 

For 100 years, Interrelate has worked alongside individuals, families and communities to strengthen relationships and build resilience. This latest initiative marks a major step forward in helping the next generation navigate life’s changes with confidence.

 

Mum of two primary school aged girls April Showers said it was really helpful to have someone other than her to help explain. “Cringe Quest is interactive and fun, the kids can learn at their own pace, and it covers facts I may not have thought of which is brilliant. I want to be involved, but to have a different outlet for my girls to learn about periods and their bodies is such a wonderful asset,” she said.  “How wonderful it is for my girls to know about their bodies early on, so nothing is scary, I wish someone had talked to me about this when I was young, about the ranges of ‘normal’, about what to expect, and about what to accept. The way Cringe Quest is facilitated and explained makes the whole concept so relaxed and educational.”

 

Stage 3 Teacher at Sydney Montessori School, Sarah Jones said the Cringe Quest program helped girls feel prepared, confident and empowered. “It’s wonderful to see technology being used in such a positive and meaningful way,” she said. “I think this game will make period education accessible and engaging for girls and will help remove fear and embarrassment, and give girls confidence to navigate the changes in their bodies with dignity and self-assurance.”

 

“I love how, even if you click an incorrect answer, it teaches you something and guides you back to the most appropriate selection. I wish this was around when I was a young girl! It would have made it easier to navigate this change in my body.”

 

WHAT CRINGE QUEST DELIVERS

• Free and easy to access
• Reduces stigma and normalises conversations about menstruation
• Uses interactive gameplay to build confidence
• Designed in collaboration with experienced relationship and sexuality educators, as well as young people, for young people 

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By completing Cringe Quest, students will be able to:

• Recognise physical and emotional changes during the menstrual cycle
• Identify and understand different menstrual products
• Practise respectful, “period-positive” communication
• Build confidence discussing menstruation
• Apply practical strategies for managing menstruation in everyday life
• Support peers and seek help when needed

 

ABOUT THE GAME

Cringe Quest uses narrative-based gameplay to simulate real-life situations, from schoolyard conversations to everyday challenges, allowing players to choose responses, explore outcomes and build understanding in a safe, engaging way. Designed for both girls and boys aged 8–12, the game helps normalise period conversations and break down stigma early.

 

Play the game: https://cringequest.com/

About us:

INTERRELATE Education, Family Support, Separation Support & Mental Health

Interrelate is a not-for-profit provider of relationship services, supporting healthy human connection across all stages of life. For 100 years, Interrelate has worked alongside individuals, families and communities to strengthen relationships, build resilience, and navigate life’s challenges with care and confidence. Each year, Interrelate reaches more than 169,000 people across over 30 locations and 450 schools in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, as well as nationally online. Their services span family support, separation support, relationship and sexuality education in schools, mental health and targeted community programs for people experiencing vulnerability. Grounded in research, evaluation and evidence-based practice, Interrelate is committed to addressing complex social issues in ways that are practical, inclusive and effective.

 

Contact details:

Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or email [email protected]