Taiwanese schools to provide menstrual products, ban e-cigarettes under new health law

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan has passed significant amendments to the School Health Act, focusing on improving the physical and mental well-being of students and staff. A key provision requires educational authorities to assist schools in stocking menstrual products and promoting menstrual education, addressing period poverty and normalizing menstruation in schools.

The revised law also strengthens health education curricula. It mandates the inclusion of topics such as healthy eating habits, psychological self-awareness, and mental health education for students across all educational levels. The goal is to foster correct dietary practices and enhance students' ability to understand and manage their mental health.

Furthermore, the amendments introduce a comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes and novel tobacco products in all junior and senior high schools. Schools are prohibited from selling or supplying these items, as well as alcohol, betel nuts, and other substances harmful to physical and mental health. This measure aims to create a safer and healthier campus environment, free from the influence of addictive products.

Additional resolutions passed by the legislative review committee include requirements for the Ministry of Education to oversee the implementation of menstrual product supply mechanisms, integrate menstrual education into operational guidelines, and establish a regular review process to assess the impact of technological advancements on students' health. The committee also called for enhanced classroom ventilation, air quality monitoring, and the inclusion of student opinions in the design of campus facilities like restrooms.