School Toilets [VIDEO]

A clean, well-maintained school restroom isn't just a facility—it's a foundation for student health, attendance, and success.

The Impact of School Restrooms on Student Health, Attendance, and Performance

School restrooms are more than just functional spaces—they play a vital role in safeguarding students' health, comfort, and overall productivity.

When restrooms aren’t properly maintained, students may face serious health risks, such as gastrointestinal infections or urinary problems, which can take a toll on their well-being. But it’s not just about physical health.

Poor restroom conditions often lead to absenteeism, as many students choose to stay home rather than deal with unpleasant or unhygienic facilities.

By prioritizing clean and accessible restrooms, schools can foster an environment where students feel supported both in their health and academic endeavors.

 

Health Implications of School Restroom Conditions

Hygiene and Sanitation

• Poorly maintained restrooms can significantly increase the risk of infections, such as gastrointestinal illnesses and urinary tract infections.
• Consistent cleaning and ensuring hygiene supplies like soap and toilet paper are well-stocked are essential steps in preventing the spread of disease.

Psychological Effects

• The stress and discomfort caused by dirty restrooms often discourage students from using them altogether.
• This avoidance can lead to serious health concerns, including dehydration and constipation, as students may delay or restrict their restroom use.

Key Stats to Note

• A large number of students identify school restrooms as some of the least hygienic areas on campus.
• Many students report intentionally drinking less water during the day to avoid using unsanitary restrooms, further compounding health risks.

 

Influence on Student Attendance

Health-Related Absenteeism

• Unsanitary restroom conditions contribute to the spread of illnesses like diarrhea and urinary tract infections, causing students to miss more school days due to sickness.
• Inadequate hygiene facilities can discourage students from attending, particularly during times of heightened health concerns, such as flu season.

Behavioral Avoidance

• Some students resort to skipping school or reducing their water intake just to avoid dealing with dirty or unsafe restrooms.
• Poor restroom upkeep can lead to stress and anxiety, especially for younger children or those with specific health needs, making the school environment feel unwelcoming.

Key Observations

• Schools with clean and well-maintained restrooms tend to have higher attendance rates.
• When students trust that their school prioritizes hygiene, they’re more likely to attend regularly and confidently.

 

Effects on Academic Performance

Concentration and Classroom Engagement

• Holding off on restroom use often leaves students uncomfortable and distracted, making it harder for them to concentrate during lessons.
• When physical needs take precedence, students are less likely to fully engage in class discussions or group activities, hindering their overall participation.

Long-Term Academic Outcomes

• Health-related absenteeism, often stemming from poor restroom conditions, disrupts learning continuity and weakens academic performance over time.
• Research shows a clear connection between frequent absences and lower grades, poor test scores, and even reduced chances of graduating on time.

Real-Life Impact

• Students dealing with ongoing restroom-related health problems often face a gradual decline in their academic achievements.
• These challenges tend to hit underserved communities the hardest, where inadequate restroom facilities exacerbate educational inequities and widen the achievement gap.

 

Design and Accessibility Considerations

Facility Design

• Privacy: Install sturdy doors with functional locks and proper stall partitions to provide students with a sense of comfort and security.
• Ventilation and Lighting: Good airflow and bright, welcoming lighting help minimize odors and make the space more inviting.
• Cleanliness: Non-slip flooring and easy-to-clean surfaces ensure safer, low-maintenance facilities for everyone.

Accessibility

• Ramps and Railings: These features are essential for wheelchair users and students with mobility challenges to navigate restrooms independently.
• Stall Size: Larger stalls accommodate assistive devices and allow caregivers to assist students when needed.
• Universal Design: Restrooms designed with inclusivity in mind cater to people of all ages and abilities, fostering a sense of equality.

Notable Improvements

• Schools that invest in redesigned restrooms often see fewer complaints and higher levels of student satisfaction.
• Accessible facilities promote equity by ensuring all students can participate fully in school life without unnecessary obstacles.

 

Recommendations for Improvement

Policy Implementation

• Establish strict guidelines for restroom cleanliness, including daily inspections and detailed maintenance schedules.
• Educate both staff and students on proper hygiene practices to help maintain clean and safe restroom environments.

Infrastructure Upgrades

• Modernize restrooms with touch-free fixtures like automatic soap dispensers and hands-free flushing systems to enhance hygiene.
• Ensure the school has enough restroom facilities to accommodate the student population comfortably and reduce overcrowding.

Student-Centered Solutions

• Gather regular feedback from students to pinpoint specific restroom concerns and prioritize necessary changes.
• Encourage student participation in hygiene campaigns to foster a shared sense of responsibility for keeping restrooms clean.

Funding and Advocacy

• Seek funding through grants or community partnerships to update and maintain restroom facilities.
• Advocate for restroom improvements as a core part of broader health and safety initiatives within schools.

 

References

1. G Chigunwe, & D Tembachako. (2017). Public school toilets: A curse or blessing for girls with physical impairment. African Educational Research Journal, 5(3), 200–206. https://www.netjournals.org/z_AERJ_17_002.html
2. Shao, T., Zhao, J., Hu, H., & Zhang, Q. (2021). Analysis of factors affecting students going to school toilets in a rural primary school in China. BMC Public Health, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-10099-4
3. Senior, E. (2014). We love our school toilets: involving primary school students in improving their school toilets. Global Health Promotion, 21(1), 23–28. https://doi.org/10.1177/1757975913508420
4. Kim, H., & Rhee, D.-E. (2019). Toilets for education: Evidence from Kenya’s primary school-level data. International Journal of Educational Development, 70, 102090. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2019.102090
5. Norling, M., Stenzelius, K., Ekman, N., & Wennick, A. (2015). High School Students’ Experiences in School Toilets or Restrooms. The Journal of School Nursing, 32(3), 164–171. https://doi.org/10.1177/1059840515611476
6. Vernon, S., Lundblad, B., & Hellstrom, A. L. (2003). Children’s experiences of school toilets present a risk to their physical and psychological health. Child: Care, Health and Development, 29(1), 47–53. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2214.2003.00310.x

 

Takeaway

School restrooms are far more than functional spaces—they’re essential to promoting student health, attendance, and academic success.

Clean, accessible, and thoughtfully designed facilities help minimize health risks, encourage consistent attendance, and enable students to stay focused in class.

Prioritizing restroom hygiene, safety, and usability isn’t just about convenience; it’s a meaningful investment in students’ well-being and future achievements.

By making restroom improvements a priority, schools can create a healthier and more supportive environment where every student can thrive.

If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation on-site assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!

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