Stop locking secondary school toilets during class time
The Issue
My daughter has had to endure the embarrassment of having multiple accidents at school due to the restrictive toilet policies. She struggles with holding her bladder, and the school's decision to lock toilets during class times makes it impossible for her and many other children to attend to their natural needs when necessary. This situation not only causes distress but can impact a child's self-esteem and ability to focus on learning.
It's unacceptable that, in this day and age, students are denied the basic human right to access toilet facilities. By locking toilets during class times, schools are imposing unfair conditions that disproportionately affect those like my daughter who have medical or developmental needs.
According to the NHS, children should urinate about six to eight times a day. With school hours accounting for a substantial part of the day, it's crucial for institutions to allow unscheduled toilet breaks to accommodate for these natural bodily functions. Forcing children to wait until designated breaks can have adverse effects on their health, potentially leading to urinary tract infections and kidney problems.
Furthermore, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child asserts the right of children to receive education in a safe environment that supports their physical well-being. Locking toilets contradicts this principle, sending a message that prioritizes classroom control over student health and welfare.
We suggest several feasible solutions:
1. Implementing a supervised system where toilets remain open but are monitored to prevent misuse.
2. Providing school staff with training to understand and manage when students genuinely require a break without being disruptive.
3. Installing more toilets around the school to decrease defacement due to overcrowding.
We urge school administrations to rethink and revise their policies. Our children deserve to feel comfortable, respected, and supported in their learning environments. Being able to access toilet facilities when needed is a small but crucial step towards achieving this goal.
Please sign this petition to help make the rights and well-being of every child a priority in our schools.
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The Issue
My daughter has had to endure the embarrassment of having multiple accidents at school due to the restrictive toilet policies. She struggles with holding her bladder, and the school's decision to lock toilets during class times makes it impossible for her and many other children to attend to their natural needs when necessary. This situation not only causes distress but can impact a child's self-esteem and ability to focus on learning.
It's unacceptable that, in this day and age, students are denied the basic human right to access toilet facilities. By locking toilets during class times, schools are imposing unfair conditions that disproportionately affect those like my daughter who have medical or developmental needs.
According to the NHS, children should urinate about six to eight times a day. With school hours accounting for a substantial part of the day, it's crucial for institutions to allow unscheduled toilet breaks to accommodate for these natural bodily functions. Forcing children to wait until designated breaks can have adverse effects on their health, potentially leading to urinary tract infections and kidney problems.
Furthermore, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child asserts the right of children to receive education in a safe environment that supports their physical well-being. Locking toilets contradicts this principle, sending a message that prioritizes classroom control over student health and welfare.
We suggest several feasible solutions:
1. Implementing a supervised system where toilets remain open but are monitored to prevent misuse.
2. Providing school staff with training to understand and manage when students genuinely require a break without being disruptive.
3. Installing more toilets around the school to decrease defacement due to overcrowding.
We urge school administrations to rethink and revise their policies. Our children deserve to feel comfortable, respected, and supported in their learning environments. Being able to access toilet facilities when needed is a small but crucial step towards achieving this goal.
Please sign this petition to help make the rights and well-being of every child a priority in our schools.
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Petition created on 5 September 2026