Gold Coast catholic school Aquinas College has locked toilets during class time to clamp down on vaping and vandalism

More Gold Coast schools have been forced to restrict access to toilet blocks in response to the growing use of vaping devices among students – and Bulletin readers are having their say. JOIN THE CONVERSATION >>>

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SOME Gold Coast schools have been forced to restrict access to toilets – and now Bulletin readers are giving their thoughts.

Kath wrote: “Schools like every community organisation have rules and regulations which we are expected to adhere to throughout life. For those that disagree about the toilets being locked during class, would you please explain if you then think that it’s ok for kids to waste class time, interrupt other students learning time, vape and graffiti school property

“I’m sure the bathroom facilities are available for genuine cases and those that shout about rights etc …….you’re DREAMING!”

Gwen wrote: “Many schools have been doing this for years, cuts down vandalism, graffiti, wasting class time. If a student genuinely needs to access the toilets they go to admin office and obtain a key. System works.”

Jay offered a solution.

“Then hire Security and unlock the toilets how ridiculous.”

John had another idea.

“Put smoke or vape alarms in. Servalence cameras in as well. Expel the culprits and you will have no students left. Try educating the students with real life problems. The adulation system needs a broom through it.”

READ ALL THE COMMENTS BELOW

HOW THE STORY STARTED

STUDENTS vaping in toilet blocks is such a crisis at some Gold Coast high schools that desperate educators are locking bathrooms or restricting access to them during class time.

The Bulletin understands a number of public high schools have permanently locked some bathrooms to reduce the number of places where students can use e-cigarettes. Another school requires students to sign in to get a key, with others needing the toilet having to wait until it’s returned.

It comes as parents of a private Gold Coast school react furiously to news that their toilets will be locked during class time, with students forced to ask permission and then present to an administration block and exchange their signed diary for a key.

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“I’m absolutely furious, you just can’t deny students access to the toilets,” said a parent, who has a child at Aquinas College in Ashmore.

“What about girls who have their periods, what are they supposed to do?

The parent believed the decision was “breaching basic human rights”, but it’s understood schools are within their rights because toilets are still accessible anytime on request.

On Wednesday a letter was sent to parents advising of a “procedural change” as a response to “behavioural and students welfare concerns.”

“No student will be denied access to the toilet or to leave class, with teacher permission,” wrote principal Peter Hurley.

“From today toilets will be locked during class time. They will be reopened during the transition between Periods 1 and 2 also between Periods 3 and 4. As usual, all toilet blocks will be open during morning tea and lunch breaks.

“We hope this process is a short term response to an issue of student safety and well being.”

Aquinas parents, who pay up to $10,000 in school fees, were not consulted on the decision, with students warned verbally on Monday that the new rule would take effect from Tuesday.

The use of vapers has become an increasing problem at a number of high schools in recent months, with principals suspending students found using them.

Vaping is the inhaling of a vapour, created by an electronic cigarette. There’s limited evidence to date of the long-term effects of vaping because the lung effects of its may take decades to develop, but it has been associated with significant health risks.

The Bulletin understands high schools in the northern Gold Coast are clamping down on the use of vapers, with some demanding students hand them into the office and others closing some of the toilet blocks so there’s fewer places for kids to vap. Another parent has confirmed their school is requiring students to sign in and out of bathrooms.

A Education Department spokesperson said: “Any measures taken by the schools to restrict access would be made in the interest of safety first and foremost.”.

Vaping is the inhaling of a vapour, created by an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette or other vaping device.

The Aquinas parent said she was told toilets were being locked in a bid to stop students vaping in the toilets and to clamp down on vandalism.

“But why punish everyone for the actions of a few? Surely they know who these kids are, it’s just ridiculous,” she said.

The parent is also concerned stopping the use of toilets during class time would cause chaos at break time as hundreds of students flock to use them. She’s also worried teenagers may ‘hold on’ and this could cause bladder infections and other health issues.

“There must be a better way to approach this, it’s 2021, get in someone to discuss the harmful effects of vaping, call in the police to talk about the consequences of vandalism,” she said.

Students at Aquinas College have been banned from using toilets during class – this has been written on the girls toilets.

“I am disgusted they have taken away this basic right from students.”

By Tuesday afternoon there was already graffiti on a door in the girls toilet with the words ‘give us our toilets back!!!’

The Brisbane Catholic Education department was approached for comment, but said it would not be making one on behalf of Aquinas College.

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Originally published as Gold Coast catholic school Aquinas College has locked toilets during class time to clamp down on vaping and vandalism