Little Rock, Arkansas – As children approach one of the most sensitive and confusing stages of growing up, health educators in Arkansas are stepping in with structured guidance aimed at making that transition easier to understand and manage.
Officials with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences say two upcoming programs scheduled for April 26 are designed to help young people and their families navigate puberty with more confidence and less uncertainty. The sessions, known as Girlology and Guyology, focus on providing age-appropriate education in a supportive setting led by medical professionals.
The programs will take place from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the 12th-floor auditorium of the Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute in Little Rock. They are open to boys ages 9 to 13 and girls ages 8 to 14, each accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Organizers say the presence of a trusted adult is an important part of the learning process, helping reinforce the information at home.
Girlology, scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., focuses on topics that many young girls begin to encounter during early adolescence. The program covers physical growth and development, bras and bra shopping, hygiene and hair management, nutrition, menstruation and menstrual hygiene, as well as emotional changes such as moods and self-image. It also includes discussions on respect, personal boundaries, and internet safety, reflecting the realities of growing up in a digital world.
Guyology, which runs earlier in the day from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is designed to address similar developmental topics for boys. The session includes information on physical changes during puberty, hygiene and personal care, nutrition, emotional awareness, internet safety, and curiosity. It also introduces boys to basic understanding of girls’ puberty, encouraging empathy and awareness during this shared stage of development.
According to UAMS officials, both programs are taught by physicians who specialize in pediatric and adolescent health. The goal is to provide accurate medical information in a way that is approachable and easy for young participants to understand, while also giving parents tools to continue these conversations at home.
While puberty is a natural part of growing up, it can often feel overwhelming for children who may not fully understand the changes happening to their bodies and emotions. Programs like Girlology and Guyology aim to reduce confusion by creating a safe space where questions can be asked openly and without embarrassment.
Cost for each program is set at $30 per participant, but officials emphasize that financial barriers should not prevent families from attending. Scholarships are available for those who need assistance, ensuring that access to education is not limited by income.
Organizers say interest in these types of programs continues to grow as parents look for reliable, science-based resources to help guide conversations at home. In many cases, families find it difficult to address topics like menstruation, body changes, and emotional health on their own, making structured programs especially valuable.
Registration and additional details are available through the UAMS website at UAMSHealth.com/UAMS-Puberty-Education. Families are encouraged to sign up early, as spaces for these sessions tend to fill quickly.
Beyond the classroom setting, the initiative reflects a broader effort by UAMS to support youth health education in Arkansas. By combining medical expertise with accessible teaching methods, the programs aim to build confidence in young people at a time when they are experiencing rapid physical and emotional change.
As the April 26 date approaches, organizers hope the sessions will not only provide information but also normalize conversations around puberty. For many families, it is an opportunity to replace uncertainty with understanding, and discomfort with open communication.
In a stage of life often marked by questions, these programs are designed to offer answers—clearly, calmly, and with professional guidance.
