Access to clean, safe and user-friendly facilities should be a basic right – but all too often school toilets fall to the bottom of the priority list, leaving students avoiding their use at all costs.
Think there are bigger problems than dodging school loos? Possibly – but don’t underestimate the issue.
Here we take a look at the consequences of ignoring the problem and why raising the standards of toilet cubicles for schools could be the best money you ever spent.
Knock-on effects of poor toilet cubicles
Poor standards when it comes to school toilets don’t just make students’ life a little unpleasant – there can be real consequences for their overall health, wellbeing and education.
Some of the most worrying issues include:
Poor concentration
In a bid to avoid going to the toilet, it’s not unusual for students to avoid drinking throughout the school day.
Not only is this bad for health – leading to dehydration and headaches – but limiting fluid intake also has a direct (and detrimental!) impact on concentration and performance in the classroom.
Increased risk of germ spreading
Old and rusty taps are difficult to keep clean and become the ideal breeding ground for bacteria and germs.
Often they are also difficult to turn or use, or have a poor water flow, making hand washing difficult and less effective.
It’s also important to ensure hand dryers work, or that there’s a plentiful supply of paper towels, as wet hands transmit more germs than dry.
High absence rates
As germ levels increase, so do absence rates – meaning failing to keep on top of the condition of school toilets can increase time away from school due to illness.
The worry of using school toilets can also be enough to deter some students from attending school altogether, leading to higher truancy levels.
Poor mental health
Student life can be stressful enough without the added pressure and anxiety of worrying about hygiene levels and privacy.
This additional concern can dramatically increase tension and stress levels for students, having a negative impact on their mental health.
How to make things better
Thankfully, there are numerous simple – and relatively inexpensive – ways to make improvements. And whilst they may only sound small, they can have a big impact the quality of student life.
Replace damaged cubicles
This is one of the most effective changes.
Replacing cracked or damaged cubicle panels, will help users to feel safe, secure and private while using the toilet.
This simple change can also dramatically improve the aesthetics of the space, making frequenting the toilets a more pleasant experience.
Invest in quality locks
Another key element in feeling safe and secure is ensuring locks not only work properly but are easy to use – no one wants the stress of getting locked into a cubicle or the embarrassment of someone accidently walking in.
Increase monitoring
It’s all very well making changes but, if you’re going to maintain high standards, it’s a good idea to increase monitoring.
Building more frequent toilet checks into the day, will help to prevent any potential problem from escalating, whilst also offering reassurance to users that a person in authority will never be very far away.
Opt for open plan
Over recent years, schools have moved towards more open-plan toilet designs, with communal handwashing areas.
This design layout has proved highly effective in reducing antisocial behaviour and vandalism – helping to maintain high levels of safety and cleanliness – which is a win-win for all concerned.
Ready to raise your game?
The good news is that most of these changes are relatively quick and easy – and certainly don’t have to drain the budget.
If you’re keen to improve daily school life, then start with toilet cubicles for schools.
