School in UK Removes Bathroom Mirrors as Students Spend Too Much Time in Toilets

A secondary school in Lincolnshire, England, has removed mirrors from its toilets, saying students were spending too much time in them, leading to delays between lessons and making some feel uncomfortable.

School Aims to Improve Punctuality and Comfort

William Farr Church of England Comprehensive School in Welton made the change after noticing that groups of students were gathering in the bathrooms, which was affecting punctuality.

Photo via William Farr CE School on Facebook

Headmaster Grant Edgar explained that the school had been dealing with issues during transition periods, and the decision aimed to help students get to class on time, The Telegraph reported.

He also noted that the presence of large groups in the toilets made some students uneasy, which was another factor in the decision.

Mirrors Still Available for Medical Needs

Although the school has removed mirrors from the toilets, students who need one for medical reasons—such as adjusting contact lenses—can request access at the reception.

Parents Express Mixed Opinions

The move has sparked debate among parents, with some questioning whether it was necessary.

One parent named Kelly was concerned about how the change would affect her daughter, who wears contact lenses and braces.

She explained that her daughter sometimes needs a mirror to remove her lenses and felt the removal could be inconvenient. She also expressed doubts that taking mirrors away would prevent students from gathering in the toilets.

However, some parents saw the benefits. Karen, whose daughter is a student at the school, admitted that while her child was initially frustrated, the change might help students be more punctual.

Without the distraction of checking their appearance, she said, students might get to class on time more often.

Psychologist Questions the Approach

Psychologist Emma Kenny believes the real issue may not be the mirrors themselves but why students are spending so much time in the toilets.

According to BBC, for some students, bathrooms serve as a space to check their appearance and regain confidence. She also suggested that removing mirrors does not address the bigger issue of why students feel the need to gather there in the first place.

Why Mirrors Are Necessary in Bathrooms

Mirrors in bathrooms serve several practical purposes beyond checking appearance. It helps with:

Maintaining personal hygiene, such as adjusting contact lenses, fixing braces, or checking for food particles in their teeth.
Assisting in grooming, including hair care and makeup application.
Contributing to self-confidence by allowing students to feel more prepared and presentable.
Providing convenience for those who rely on them for medical or personal reasons.

Removing them entirely may create unnecessary inconveniences, especially for those who rely on them for medical or personal reasons.