At CHS, the bathroom policy has always been a hot topic. In some classes, permission to go to the bathroom is limited to one person out at a time, a rule that can be frustrating and inconvenient for many. However, there is a growing societal argument in favor of allowing multiple students to use the bathroom at once.
One of the most important reasons for allowing multiple students to use the bathroom during class simultaneously is related to health and hygiene. Not allowing a student to use the restroom when necessary can lead to discomfort, anxiety, and even physical health issues. By allowing students to use the bathroom when they need to, schools can prioritize their physical well-being. Letting a teacher know you have to use the restroom is one thing, but asking permission in a time of need is ridiculous.
The general consensus for not having more than one person out of class at a time is that students are taking advantage of the opportunity by not using the restroom and instead are walking around the school. An easy solution is to give them a time limit. Depending on the location of the classroom, teachers should estimate the necessary time. The reality of the situation is that denying a student a bathroom break can create a huge disruption not only to the student but to the class as well. When a student is uncomfortable or anxious about needing to use the bathroom, their focus is no longer on what they are being taught. They may move in their seats, interrupt the teacher with requests or even leave the classroom without permission, causing more disruption than simply allowing them to go when needed.
A benefit of allowing multiple students to use the bathroom is installing a sense of responsibility. By trusting students to manage their bathroom breaks, schools can encourage maturity. It is an opportunity for students to learn how to make responsible decisions about their own needs and manage their time effectively. If students wish to miss class time and sacrifice the opportunity to receive a stronger education, it will reflect on their grades and on their futures.
One of the main things adults advocate for is a sense of respect. But respect cuts both ways. By denying bathroom breaks, schools may inadvertently send a message that their students’ needs and comfort are not a priority. Allowing multiple students to use the bathroom during a class shows that the school respects their basic needs and prioritizes their well-being. While teachers may use the restroom between passing periods and during lunchtime when they have to go during class, they don’t need to ask,—they just go. Why are these restrictions placed on students and not teachers?
The argument for allowing multiple students to use the bathroom helps show the commitment toward student health. It reduces disruptions such as being jittery, constantly asking while the teacher is lecturing, and even just standing up and walking out of class. It also promotes responsibility and sends a clear message that the school values the well-being of its students. Schools claim that they prioritize the needs of their students. If they want this to be true, bathroom breaks are a simple yet effective way to create a stronger and more efficient learning environment.
