As a high school student at Alisal, one of the most frustrating experiences can be needing to use the restroom either during passing periods or during class. The urgency of nature’s call clashes with the reality of long restroom lines, students hanging out in stalls for extended periods, and the misuse of restroom facilities for activities other than their intended purpose. 

But why are students taking so long in the restroom and what can be done to solve this problem? Let’s dive into some of the main reasons behind the long restroom waits and discuss potential solutions to make the process better for everyone.

Problems with Student Behavior in Restrooms

It’s not uncommon to see students spending more than 10 minutes in a restroom stall. Whether they are on their phones, applying makeup, or engaging in other non-urgent activities, this behavior leads to long lines and delays for others in need. 

Some students have turned restroom stalls into vaping lounges. Vaping in bathroom stalls has become a significant issue.The smell of the vape, combined with perfume or cologne  creates an unpleasant environment for everyone and it also poses health risks due to the chemicals in the vape. 

Since the passing period is limited, many people opt to go during class, which isn’t any better. Many other  students have the same idea and use class time as an opportunity to socialize and hang out with friends. 

This not only disrupts the learning environment but also contributes to overcrowding and delays in the restroom area. It often means fewer stalls are available for those who genuinely need to use the restroom, creating frustration. 

This forces them to search for another restroom, only to encounter the same situation again. This repeated cycle not only wastes time but also causes stress and inconvenience, as they struggle to find a free restroom to use.

Meanwhile, back in the classroom, another student is waiting for their turn to go to the restroom. The delay caused by the crowded restrooms means that when that student asks to go to the restroom some other day, teachers are often going to tell them no, due to the extended time they took previously. This creates a cycle of frustration for both students and teachers, disrupting the flow of the class and making it difficult for everyone to manage their time effectively.

While it may be understandable that students may want to freshen up during the school day, being unmindful or indifferent to the needs of others isn’t.. 

Solutions to Improve Restroom Usage

An increase in security monitoring is a need for several reasons. Implementing regular security checks in restrooms, particularly during passing periods, could lower chances of students engaging in inappropriate behavior or lingering in stalls for extended periods. 

This would help ensure that restrooms are used for their intended purpose, while maintaining a safe and orderly environment for all students. With frequent checks, the presence of security or staff can act as a deterrent  to those who are misusing the restrooms, thereby reducing instances of vandalism, substance use, or other inappropriate activities. 

Increasing security monitoring can also contribute to a more positive and respectful school culture. When students know that restrooms are being regularly monitored, they are more likely to use these spaces responsibly and efficiently. This can lead to shorter wait times and cleaner restrooms, benefiting everyone. Overall, regular security checks can play a crucial role in promoting a safe, respectful, and well-maintained school environment.

Enforcing a “One per stall” rule could also be an effective strategy. The security staff  could implement this policy to promote quicker turnover. For example, if there are three stalls, only three people are in the bathroom and they have two minutes to use the bathroom. When they’re out of the stall, someone else goes in. In an 8 minute passing period, at least 10 people could get to use the bathroom. By limiting restroom access to one student per stall, schools can minimize instances of students gathering in restrooms for prohibited activities, such as skipping class or engaging in disruptive behavior. This policy encourages students to be more mindful of their time in the restroom, making it a more efficient process for everyone. 

A PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) lesson could help improve restroom lines by teaching students adequate and respectful restroom behavior. Encouraging peer accountability could significantly help with restroom congestion without always needing adult intervention. Students can play a crucial role in addressing restroom misuse by speaking up and reminding their peers to be considerate of others’ needs and time. When students hold each other accountable, it fosters a sense of community and responsibility, making it less likely for individuals to misuse the restrooms. This peer-led approach not only reduces the burden on teachers and staff but also empowers students to take ownership of their shared spaces. A PBIS lesson could include role-playing activities, discussions on the impact of restroom misuse, and setting clear expectations for restroom behavior, all of which can contribute to a more efficient use of school restrooms.

It’s essential for high school students to recognize the impact of their behavior in school restrooms and consider the needs of others when using the restrooms. By addressing the problems associated with extended restroom use – vaping, class skipping, prepping, and hangouts – we can create a more efficient and respectful environment for all students. Let’s work together to create a school culture where restrooms are used responsibly and considerately, benefiting everyone in the school community.