Douglas South MHK, Claire Christian has voiced her ‘many concerns’ about the newly implemented toilet policy at Ballakermeen High School.
One of those concerns being that she fears this policy will ‘single out female students, particularly those who may need to visit the toilet for specific reasons like menstrual health’.
Christian says that requiring a medical pass for such a natural and necessary requirement can indeed ‘single out female students and cause undue stress or embarrassment’.
Concerns
On her Facebook page she says ‘restricting students access to the toilet during lessons can indeed create various issues, including potential bottlenecks during break and lunch times, which could lead to overcrowding and students rushing to use the facilities within limited time periods’.
In the letter to parents, vaping was another reason for the ban on toilet usage during lessons.
The MHK said that ‘in terms of addressing the underlying issues such as vaping and other misuse of the facilities, it’s important for schools to find a balance between maintaining discipline and ensuring that students’ BASIC needs are met’.
She said that ‘some schools have implemented strategies like increased supervision, education on the dangers of vaping, and creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable discussing their needs with teachers or staff’.
The Douglas South MHK has written to the Education Minister, and says she is concerned ‘that in reality this is putting a very small plaster on a much bigger problem’.
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