It’s crazy that students have to decide to follow school procedures or maintain a healthy life over using the bathroom. Schools have a limited number of bathroom passes or digital systems to control when students can go to the bathroom. These parameters damage students and teachers over something basic to health.
According to a survey by Society for Women’s Health Research , “To maintain a healthy bladder, children should use the toilet every two to three hours- not wait until their bladders are so full they are in pain or the urge is sudden.”
Forcing students to stay in class and hold it ignores their well being, and leaves them uncomfortable in class. Researchers from The Atlantic state, “About 20% of children experience bladder dysfunction, which can get worse with the restrictions.”
One major concern teachers have is students skipping class when they say they are using the bathroom. If students act that way, they should face consequences that match their actions, rather than the school punishing everyone.
A student representative from Signal Akron described the strict bathroom policies as “unreasonable,” showing how frustrating these rules are for students that actually need to use the restroom.
Schools often think digital passes help track students, but they cause delays and repeated requests. A simple paper pass would be faster in emergencies and decrease interruptions.
At CV, teachers are already using an “attention office” to keep track of students for attendance or behavioral actions. Requiring teachers to use digital passes distracts them from teaching because they have to approve requests.
Schools need to focus on student well-being and trust instead of the policies hurting students and teachers.
Bathroom Pass Limits are Hurting Students
By Willow Daniel ‘27
It’s crazy that students have to decide to follow school procedures or maintain a healthy life over using the bathroom. Schools have a limited number of bathroom passes or digital systems to control when students can go to the bathroom. These parameters damage students and teachers over something basic to health.
According to a survey by Society for Women’s Health Research , “To maintain a healthy bladder, children should use the toilet every two to three hours- not wait until their bladders are so full they are in pain or the urge is sudden.”
Forcing students to stay in class and hold it ignores their well being, and leaves them uncomfortable in class. Researchers from The Atlantic state, “About 20% of children experience bladder dysfunction, which can get worse with the restrictions.”
One major concern teachers have is students skipping class when they say they are using the bathroom. If students act that way, they should face consequences that match their actions, rather than the school punishing everyone.
A student representative from Signal Akron described the strict bathroom policies as “unreasonable,” showing how frustrating these rules are for students that actually need to use the restroom.
Schools often think digital passes help track students, but they cause delays and repeated requests. A simple paper pass would be faster in emergencies and decrease interruptions.
At CV, teachers are already using an “attention office” to keep track of students for attendance or behavioral actions. Requiring teachers to use digital passes distracts them from teaching because they have to approve requests.
Schools need to focus on student well-being and trust instead of the policies hurting students and teachers.
Sources:
https://swhr.org/survey-of-school-nurses-reveals-lack-of-bathroom-policies-and-bladder-health-education/ (SNHR)
https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2019/02/the-tyranny-of-school-bathrooms/583660/ (The Atlantic)
https://teensinprint.com/the-consequences-of-restroom-restrictions/ (TIP)https://signalakron.org/north-high-student-rep-calls-bathroom-pass-policy-unreasonable-at-school-board-meeting/ (SA)