Two teen girls 12 and 13. They have approached me today obviously after chatting with each other how they were going to do it and asked me if they can use meds for that time of the month. I have weighed up the pros and the cons but they are

pretty even so I thought I would put it to you guys. Thanks for your time. by the way happy new year hehe
Cheers
Angie

  This may sound a little over the top but I was really cautious when agreeing for my daughter to use tampons. I made a deal with her and said that I'd prefer her to use pads for the first 6 to 12 months of her period. This was only because I believed she needed to get used to her period first. Work out if she was a heavy bleeder or light and the obvious problems that go with us girls and that time of the month.  

After 6 months she came to me again stating that she was ready, so I gave her some. However, I also made sure she understood the absorbency rate of tampons, and how often she should change as well as I did ask her not to go to bed wearing  one. I think at night it's best to still use a pad at this stage especially with how long teenagers can sleep for.  

The following is a run down of information that I found for you from here and here and its typically what I told Kat at the time. I think its good for kids to read and for parents to refresh their knowledge on. It may be typical and obvious, but sometimes its just those things that we overlook and forget to mention. Hope this helps some...   This is just some things I feel is important to discuss for new time teens....icky topic, but important all the same...   

 Absorbency  

Research has suggested that Toxic Shock Syndrome or TSS increases with tampon absorbency. For new time users it is suggested

1. to use a lower absorbency until you understand what kind of flow you have.
2. The rate a tampon soaks blood is generally measured in grams of fluid. 
3. Tampons should be changed regularly and about ever 4 hours.

If you find you are changing more often, use a higher absorbency but do not leave it in for any longer. 

Junior absorbency: 6 grams and under

Regular absorbency: 6 to 9 grams

Super absorbency: 9 to 12 grams

Super plus absorbency: 12 to 15 grams

 
Vaginal dryness and/or ulcerations may occur if tampon absorbs too much of your flow and can be difficult to remove. Tampons have been known to shred in these cases.  

TATT (Tips to avoid tampon trouble)  

Forgetting that you have inserted a tampon is rare although it does happen according to Gerald Joseph, M.D. He has seen a few cases of this a year and normally from women under 30. To avoid tampon problems he suggests the following as the 6 golden rules....  

1. Follow package directions for insertion.
2. Choose the lowest absorbency for your flow.
3. Change your tampon at least every 4 to 8 hours.
4. Consider alternating pads with tampons.
5. Know the warning signs of toxic shock syndrome.
6. Don't use tampons between periods.  

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

TSS is a disease caused by Staphylococcus which can be found in the vagina of some women. Although tampons have not been found to cause TSS on their own it will increase the risk of contracting menstrual TSS if Staphylococcus is found present in a persons system.

It is estimated that each year 1-17 of every 100,000  women and girls who menstruate, will get TSS. TSS occurs more in menstruating females using tampons, Particularly women under thirty and especially teenage girls  

The warning signs of TSS?

Sudden high fever vomiting and/or diarrhoea, fainting or near-fainting when standing up dizziness sunburn-like rash. aching of muscles and joints redness of the eyes sore throat and weakness. 

Suspect TSS?

If you have one or more of the TSS symptoms during your period, remove the tampon immediately and change to using sanitary pads. Contact your GP or ER straight away.   Although some myths about tampons may see overly far fetched, they are still worried about by many kids and thought true by some parents....  
Myths  

Tampons cause AIDS Tampons can be lost in a woman's body Tampons are tainted with cancer-causing toxins Asbestos is used to make tampons   Of course these are all false. More information about these myths can be read here 

There is also this article written for the BBC website in 2000 about Bacteria being added to tampons to reduce the risk of urinary tract and gynaecological infections. Just thought I'd add it for a little more info for you....

Good luck mate...