Is is acceptable for a teacher to refuse to allow a student to use the bathroom when necessary?

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Fishwife asks:

Especially when this results in the student soiling himself
(on more than one occasion) and then being subject to the ridicule of classmates.

In Topics: Working with my child's teacher(s), Discipline and behavior challenges

> 60 days ago

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Expert

Allyn Anderson

May 16, 2010

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What the Expert Says:

During each class period, teachers are responsible for knowing where students are at all times. If a teacher finds a student leaving the classroom excessively or going other places rather than the requested "restroom" pass, teachers will limit access. However, if there is a medical reason for a child to leave a class frequently, usually getting a doctor's note to that effect should allow easier access.

In this situation do call the teacher to determine what else might be going on in the classroom. Perhaps an extra set of clothes in the classroom for emergencies might be all that is needed.

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Additional Answers (3)

ronald writes:

Fishwife, this sounds unacceptable but you must contact your child's teacher immediately. I suspect there is more going on.

Ron

> 60 days ago

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chezamie678 , Parent, Teacher writes:

Well, I think the teacher should let the kid go to the bathroom because if he or she dos'nt the kid won't pay attention to the teacher and won't learn anything.

> 60 days ago

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Louiseasl , Child Professional writes:

Thank you for writing to JustAsk!

School staff need to be sensitive to the physical needs of children, including the use of the bathroom. Not all children are able to "hold it" until break time, thus flexibility should be allowed.

If a child seems to need several trips to the restroom throughout the day the the parents should meet with the teachers and guidance staff to see if this is typical or atypical behavior of the child.

If there exists a medical or developmental concern, then the child's physician may need to provide medical documentation.

However, given the heightened concern for bullying within schools, in my opinion at no time should a child be ridiculed by staff or students. Period.

Thanks for asking this question.

Louise Masin Sattler, NCSP
Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Owner of Signing Families
Host of Learning and Laugher with Louise (www.toginet.com)

> 60 days ago

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