School Toilets Access Rules Stress Pupils

Locked Out: School Toilet Restrictions Spark Pupil Anxiety and Health Fears

Pupils across the UK report experiencing unease and nervousness because of confusing regulations about restroom use in schools. These rules, many students feel, turn a basic human need into a daily source of stress. The situation has prompted calls for a review of policies that pupils and parents argue are detrimental to wellbeing and learning. Educational institutions often cite behavioural issues and facility misuse as reasons for such measures. However, learners suggest that these broad-stroke solutions unfairly penalise the entire student body.

Students' Daily Anxiety Over Basic Needs

Young people describe significant distress stemming from stringent toilet access rules in educational settings. Holly, who lives in Pentyrch, Cardiff, described often not receiving consent to visit the lavatory while classes were in progress. She also faced difficulties finding an unlocked facility. These situations played a part in her choice to switch to home-schooling. She expressed a lack of understanding regarding the necessity of these restrictions for a normal bodily function. This personal story reflects a wider issue of pupils feeling their fundamental needs are not being adequately met throughout the academic day, leading to considerable unease.

Image Credit - Freepik

The Weight of "Baffling" Bathroom Rules

The impact of these restroom regulations extends beyond simple inconvenience. Pupils report feelings of deep embarrassment when forced to request toilet access publicly or explain their private needs before classmates and staff. Holly, who formerly went to Radyr Comprehensive School, indicated that such restroom policies significantly influenced her departure from conventional schooling to receive instruction via an internet-based tutor commencing in the January of 2024. The constant worry over whether permission would be granted, or if a toilet would even be accessible, created an atmosphere where one might face criticism and significant anxiety for many young learners.

Menstrual Dignity Compromised in Schools

Female students face particular challenges due to restrictive toilet policies. Holly highlighted instances involving herself and her companions experiencing "bleeding through underwear" because of difficulties accessing facilities. One friend endured public humiliation after staining a seat during an early menstrual cycle, becoming a target of ridicule for weeks. Beyond these distressing incidents, Holly pointed to a significant disparity affecting learners having their period. At times, individuals needed to go to the main administrative area to obtain period products, as they were not readily available in toilets. This lack of access and understanding can create significant daily stress.

Locked Doors and Limited Access

Some schools resort to locking toilet blocks during lesson times. This practice aims to prevent pupils from congregating in certain school areas or engaging in misbehaviour. However, students like Holly argue this punishes everyone, including those who follow rules. Despite possessing a lavatory permit, designed to ensure entry, Holly, who has autism, encountered difficulties using the restrooms as a space to manage her responses. If her time in the restroom extended beyond what personnel considered acceptable, they might knock loudly or suspect she was avoiding duties, potentially leading to sensory overload and missed learning.

Image Credit - Freepik

Parental Confusion and Concern Over Policies

Parents share their children's bewilderment and frustration with these restrictive toilet rules. Jo Wallace, Holly's mother, described the policies as "baffling." She noted the contradiction of expecting teenagers to make mature life decisions while not trusting them with basic restroom use. Ms Wallace questioned how schools reached this point, suggesting it might stem from "laziness" in finding alternative solutions to behavioural issues. She stressed the "highly negative impact" these rules have on pupils, particularly those managing menstruation, who already face considerable pressure. Her own experience at Radyr Comprehensive was different, with unrestricted toilet access.

National Surveys Reveal Widespread Issue

Research conducted across the United Kingdom by phs Group, an organisation located in Caerphilly, working alongside Irise International, a charity advocating for menstrual fairness, revealed that sixty-five percent of learners could not freely access school toilets whenever needed. From this group, twenty-nine percent needed an educator's consent to leave the classroom, while fifteen percent had to have a distinct permit. The investigation, involving five hundred and one educators, showed five percent indicated educational institution lavatories were secured at certain times throughout the academic day, even during breaks. Furthermore, 4% stated toilets were always shut. Disturbingly, 16% of teachers admitted barring a pupil experiencing menstruation from restroom access while lessons were ongoing. Justifications offered encompassed suspicions that learners aimed to evade instruction or socialise with companions. Approximately thirty percent of educators thought learners managing their periods ought to delay.

Student Voices: Experiences from Other Schools

Erin, a 17-year-old sixth-form learner attending Bedwas High School, situated in Caerphilly county, detailed revised lavatory allocations after refurbishment. These alterations resulted in imbalanced availability of feminine hygiene items and disposal units among various age cohorts. She stated that lavatories remained secured throughout instructional periods, with permission to use them rarely granted, typically only "if you say it's an emergency." Erin recounted being refused permission to change period products and, after speaking out in class about her urgent need, leaving without permission and consequently receiving a telling-off. Similar to Holly, Erin acknowledged that conduct-related problems were a factor but felt the restrictions unfairly impacted others. She highlighted the embarrassment of publicly declaring personal needs.

Health Impacts of Restricted Toilet Access

Charities like ERIC (The Children's Bowel & Bladder Charity) warn that restricting toilet access can lead to serious health problems. Consequences include urinary tract infections (UTIs), constipation, and accidental soiling or wetting in the classroom. Some children reduce their food and fluid intake to avoid needing the toilet at school, risking dehydration and poor concentration. Dehydration itself can cause headaches, fatigue, and impaired cognitive function, directly affecting a student's ability to learn. Over time, habitually ignoring the urge to go can even reduce bladder capacity.

Image Credit - Freepik

Mental Wellbeing and Learning Disrupted

The anxiety caused by inaccessible toilets is a significant concern. A YouGov poll found nearly half of UK parents reported their children experienced anxiety about using school toilets. This stress can exacerbate existing conditions or create new anxieties around using toilets outside the home. Constant worry about toilet access or potential accidents can severely impair a student's concentration in lessons. For students with conditions like autism or ADHD, who may need quiet spaces to regulate, inaccessible or unwelcoming toilets remove a vital coping mechanism. This can lead to overwhelm and missed learning time.

The Debate Around "Toilet Passes"

Some schools issue "toilet passes" to students with known medical conditions, theoretically guaranteeing access. The Children and Families Act 2014 places a statutory duty on schools to support pupils with medical conditions, including bladder and bowel problems. However, obtaining a pass can require medical letters, and even with one, students may still face challenges or feel singled out. For students who wish to keep their conditions private, the pass system itself can be a source of anxiety. Critics argue that universal access, rather than a permit system, is a more dignified approach.

Hygiene and Privacy: Key Concerns for Pupils

Poor hygiene and lack of privacy are major deterrents to using school toilets. Surveys reveal that dirty facilities and offensive smells are common complaints. Many students also report a lack of essential supplies like toilet paper, soap, and functioning locks. This lack of privacy and cleanliness not only causes discomfort but can also make toilets sites for bullying or other negative behaviours. Improving the physical environment of school toilets is a crucial step towards making them more welcoming and reducing student anxiety. Research shows that appealing environments encourage desired behaviours.

School Responses and Council Initiatives

Cardiff Council recognized the difficulties educational institutions encounter regarding disruptive conduct and maintaining safety within restroom areas. They communicated an allocation exceeding one million pounds Sterling through their Period Dignity programme to enhance school amenities and facilitate straightforward procurement of menstrual supplies, removing the need for pupils to request them from personnel. Caerphilly Council stated that individual schools determine toilet regulations and recommended parents address concerns through the school's complaints policy. The Department for Education (DfE) guidance states schools should have provisions for learners to utilize restrooms as necessity dictates, but also supports headteachers in managing behaviour.

Balancing Act: School Management vs. Pupil Needs

Schools attempt to balance providing necessary facilities with managing pupil behaviour, including property damage, use of electronic cigarettes, and unauthorized absence in toilets. However, many students and parents feel that restrictive measures, such as locking toilets, are a "blunt tool" that disproportionately affects well-behaved pupils and those with specific needs. Finding solutions that address misbehaviour without penalising all students is a complex challenge. Some suggest increased but respectful supervision, better engagement with students on the issues, and investing in more robust and well-maintained facilities.

Image Credit - Freepik

Legal Framework and National Guidance

Several regulations and guidance documents outline schools' responsibilities. The School Premises (England) Regulations 2012 require suitable toilet and washing facilities for pupils, with separate facilities for boys and girls over eight, unless it's a single, securable cubicle. Department for Education advice supports this, emphasising easy access, adequate ventilation, lighting, and informal staff supervision without compromising privacy. The Equality Act 2010 requires schools to make reasonable adjustments for pupils with disabilities, which includes those with continence issues. However, there is no specific law preventing schools from locking toilets during lessons.

The Welsh Government's Stance

The Welsh Government provides detailed directives for educational institutions, articulating a goal to "maintain all lavatories in an accessible and usable state for pupils during the entire academic day". This proactive approach contrasts with the lack of specific UK-wide legislation preventing schools from locking toilets during lesson times. While Welsh guidance promotes accessibility, the implementation still varies between schools. The differing approaches across UK nations highlight the need for clearer, more consistent standards that prioritise pupil health and dignity while supporting schools in managing facilities effectively.

Dehydration: An Overlooked Consequence

A significant number of pupils admit to deliberately avoiding drinking water at school to minimise the need to use unpleasant or restricted toilets. This practice leads to dehydration, which has well-documented negative effects on concentration, energy levels, and overall health. Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, tiredness, and irritability. Chronic dehydration can contribute to more serious issues like constipation and urinary tract infections. Ensuring pupils feel comfortable using toilets is therefore directly linked to their ability to stay hydrated and learn effectively.

Image Credit - Freepik

Addressing Vandalism and Misuse Positively

Vandalism, smoking, and other misuse of school toilets are genuine concerns for school management. Some research indicates that up to 55% of secondary school toilets show signs of vandalism. However, experts and student advocates suggest that restrictive policies are often counterproductive. Instead, creating a more positive and respectful toilet environment through better design, regular maintenance, and student involvement in agreeing rules could reduce such issues. Open-plan designs for handwashing areas, combined with private, full-height cubicle doors, are one suggested approach to allow passive supervision while maintaining dignity.

The Importance of Student Voice

Involving students in discussions about toilet policies and facility design is crucial. When pupils feel their worries are acknowledged and they possess a stake in their environment, they are more likely to respect it. The "pupil voice" can offer valuable insights into why problems occur and how they might be solved collaboratively. Initiatives that actively involve young people in decision-making regarding their personal care and school environment can foster a sense of control and responsibility, potentially leading to more effective and respected policies than those imposed from the top down.

Investing in Better Facilities

The physical state of school toilets often contributes to the problems. Dilapidated and unhygienic facilities are commonly reported. Investment in refurbishment and regular, thorough maintenance is essential. Funding initiatives, such as the Youth Investment Fund for renovating youth service facilities, demonstrate a recognition of the importance of physical environments. Schools may require specific funding allocations to bring all toilet facilities up to a high standard of cleanliness, repair, and accessibility, including for disabled pupils. Modern, well-maintained toilets can improve pupil morale and reduce avoidance.

Looking Ahead: Towards Healthier School Environments

The ongoing concerns about school toilet access highlight a need for a more holistic approach to pupil wellbeing. This includes ensuring basic physiological needs are met with dignity. Charities, health professionals, and student advocates continue to call for policies that prioritise open access, alongside proactive measures to address behavioural issues without resorting to blanket restrictions. Ultimately, a school environment that respects students' fundamental needs is more conducive to learning, health, and overall positive development. Collaborative efforts between schools, pupils, parents, and policymakers are vital to finding lasting solutions.