Every school year we have a few students who are reluctant to use our washrooms. School washrooms and automatic flushes can be intimidating for kids due to a combination of sensory, psychological, and developmental factors:

1. Loud Noises: Automatic flushes often produce a loud noise that can startle students. The unexpectedness of the noise can cause anxiety, especially for those who are sensitive to sound.
2. Loss of Control: Kids may feel uneasy about not being able to control when the toilet flushes. The idea that something happens automatically, without their input, can be disconcerting.
3. Fear of the Unknown: For younger children, especially those new to using school washrooms, the idea of something "magical" or automatic happening might be confusing or scary. They might not understand the mechanism behind it, leading to fear of what might happen next.
4. Sensory Overload: School washrooms can be overwhelming due to bright lights, echoes, multiple people, and strong smells. Combined with automatic systems, this can create an environment that feels chaotic to a child, especially if they are already anxious.
5. Previous Negative Experiences: If a student has had a negative experience with an automatic flush—like it going off unexpectedly while they're still using the toilet—they may develop a fear of the washroom itself.

We are offering a tour of the Evergreen washrooms for families to watch with their student to help demystify and hopefully reduce any anxiety a student has about using the washroom at our school.

Sincerely,

Angela McPhee

Principal