Survey finds most children avoid school toilets; Andrex launches campaign

Andrex has launched a campaign after a new survey of more than 500 girls and boys aged 10 to 17 found 68% have avoided going to the toilet at school, the company said. The survey found 73% cited embarrassment as the main reason for avoiding school loos and 63% worried about being teased.

The report also highlighted consequences linked to withholding, such as children leaving large, hard or pebble-like stools, reduced appetite, stomach pain, less frequent bowel movements and soiled underwear. Almost a third said they had deliberately missed lunch to avoid needing the loo and 45% said they had held their poo to the point of physical pain.

"Withholding can have a serious impact, so it’s important to tackle it," says Dr Martha Deiros Collado, a clinical psychologist specialising in family therapy. She said the first step is to work out why a child is avoiding the toilets, noting triggers such as the transition to secondary school, flimsy doors or lack of privacy, and social pressure from peers.

She advised parents to lead with empathy, be curious and stay calm when starting the conversation. Practical suggestions in the campaign include talking honestly and without shame, using simple body facts, exploring quieter or more private cubicles, going with a friend, and small comforts such as scented sprays, "poo drops", soft paper or wipes.

Key Topics

Health, Andrex, Constipation, School Toilets, Martha Deiros Collado, Eric