Key Messages
- Students should be allowed to go to the toilet when they need to go. This will help instil healthy bladder and bowel habits for life.
- If a student is asking to go to the toilet excessively during class time, the teacher needs to discuss this with the parent or guardian who may choose to involve a health professional to determine the cause. If it is a medical reason, it is advisable that a health care plan be developed.
- Students need access to clean toilets that are adequately equipped with absorbent toilet paper, soap dispensers, water, hand drying facilities and working locks – this can have a positive impact on students and encourage positive toileting habits.
- Students have a right to privacy and toilets that are free from bullying.
- Students with bladder or bowel issues require quick and easy access to a toilet, and should be provided the privacy, supplies (in the case of an accident) and support they require.
- By understanding and supporting the needs of children with bladder or bowel issues, you can help to improve their self-esteem and help to prevent further health problems.
- It is important to remember that students with bladder and/or bowel issues are not being naughty or disruptive in the classroom or at school on purpose. Faecal soiling and urinary incontinence are involuntary and distressing events, that need to be managed and treated by a health professional. These children need to be supported when they are at school.
- It is important that students feel safe and comfortable to use school toilets, which is why Toilet Tactics is so important. Would you be happy to use your students' toilets?
For information about children with special needs, refer to One Step at a Time.
For more information, basic continence care plans and bladder and bowel health, phone the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 and speak to an experienced continence advisor Monday - Friday, 8am - 8pm (AEST).