Barrier to Education: Students Face Toilet Access Issues During Menstruation

The Inequity of Toilet Access in Schools

Menstruation can be a challenging experience for many students, but a troubling new report reveals that some pupils are subjected to further difficulties by being unable to access toilet facilities when they need them most. The collaboration between phs Group and Irise International, a global menstrual justice charity, has highlighted serious implications for students who menstruate as they face distressing situations when the need to use the bathroom arises.

Many schools across the country have resorted to locking toilets and imposing significant restrictions on bathroom access during class times, leading to some students experiencing embarrassing incidents like bleeding through their uniforms. One particularly striking account comes from Holly, a 15-year-old in South Wales, who shed light on her alarming experiences at a previous school.

Holly's Experience

Holly recounts that gaining access to the toilet often became an ordeal for her and her classmates. "If the toilets are locked when you have a period, you’re in trouble," she said candidly, reflecting the anxiety many students face. When she was in Year 7, she witnessed a friend who bled through her uniform having to walk a long distance, escorted by a teacher, just to find bathroom facilities and menstrual products.

"I understand there are reasons for locking restrooms, such as concerns about students vaping or skipping class," Holly explained, demonstrating a mature understanding of the broader issues at play. Data from a recent survey conducted by phs Group and Irise supports her observations; it reveals that nearly two-thirds of students, about 65%, struggle to access toilet facilities freely in their schools.

The Survey Findings

The survey also unveiled disturbing statistics regarding teachers' perceptions around bathroom access. Among teachers surveyed, 48% expressed concern about vaping as a primary reason for restricting toilet access. Additionally, 46% noted issues with attendance and truancy as deterrents. However, a worrying 16% of teachers admitted to preventing students who menstruate from using the bathroom during lessons, harboring suspicions that these students simply wish to skip class or socialize.

Despite school policies aiming to address period equality by providing free menstrual products, barriers remain. Responses from the survey indicate that concerns over potential misuse or damage prevented some schools from making these products readily available. For students like Holly, who had to navigate lengthy trips to the office to request sanitary products, the stress of unexpected periods exacerbated an already difficult situation.

Implications for Education

Chrissy Cattle, CEO of Irise International, articulates the impact of these policies, stating that restricted toilet access represents a major barrier to education. "No student should be forced to choose between their period and their learning," she emphasizes.

The situation presents an urgent need for reform in school policies regarding toilet access. Kelly Greenaway, a period equality lead at phs Group, advocates that educators must receive adequate training and support to ensure that all students can access the facilities they need without fear of humiliation or reprimand.

Community Support and Government Oversight

Parents are also voicing concerns. Holly’s mother, Jo Wallace, highlights her daughter's autism and anxiety as contributing factors to the decision to opt for home education. She believes it is essential for schools to adapt their policies to accommodate students' needs effectively.

While the Welsh Government states that toilet access policies should be under constant review to facilitate open access during the school day, challenges remain regarding ensuring both accessibility and the safety of students. Over £1 million has been allocated through the Cardiff Period Dignity initiative, aimed at creating more supportive school environments to address these pressing issues.

As schools strive to strike a balance between maintaining order and supporting the wellbeing of students, the experiences of Holly and many others remind us that access to basic facilities is, indeed, a fundamental right of all learners.

Conclusion

This report brings to light the pressing need for schools to revisit and revise their policies on toilet access. An increase in understanding and accommodation can ensure that menstruating students can attend their classes with dignity and confidence, free from the added fear of their biological needs being ignored.