9 in 10 UK children have issues with poor school toilets

In ‘The School Toilet Report’ recently issued by Domestos, who famously ‘kill all known germs’, they reveal what many of us remember about school toilets. You’d think things have improved, but sadly not.

The majority of school toilets are just horrible.

Nearly one in four children experience discomfort and issues with concentration from ‘holding it in’, says the report. And 10% deliberately skip food and drink to avoid using the school toilets. 

The saddest part is that the majority of children (88%) haven’t told an adult how bad they are. Why is this not spoken about?

It’s the stuff of nightmares.

Unflushed and dirty toilets, missing or broken seats, lack of toilet roll, doors that don’t lock and even cubicles with no doors at all.  I thought I was the only one who had recurring nightmares about being desperate to go, but having nowhere to go. It must stem from my school days?

Some children even go as far as not going to school because they are worried about using the school washrooms.

It’s a big problem affecting their education and enjoyment of the best years of their lives. And it can lead to anxiety disorders and long term physical repercussions well into adulthood.

Nothing changes

Sadly, this isn’t new news. As far back as 2010, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine advised hygiene experts that:

• 38% of secondary school girls reported holding it in so they didn't have to go to the toilet
• 24% of all secondary school children said the toilets were so disgusting they avoided them if possible
• 16% of secondary school boys reported bad things happening in the toilets, making them wary of going in there.

Enhanced hygiene and privacy cubicles.

At Venesta, we work with schools to find solutions. We help them make the best use of their space to create open washrooms, with private cubicles that are safe, robust and easy to clean.

We have specialised in school washrooms for over 50 years. From nurseries to universities, we are committed to raising the standard of our children’s school washrooms. Our education ranges can be manufactured with floor to ceiling dimensions and privacy hinges that reduce the gaps all round to just 5mm. Robust and hardwearing toilet cubicles that create a private space for students to feel comfortable.

Better toilets for children’s wellbeing

So it’s about time we did something about it. Thank you Domestos for raising awareness of this hidden issue.

If we can help, please get in touch.

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