Why 76% of school kids are holding in their poo – and what it could mean for their health
Andrex launches new campaign to help kids ‘get comfortable’ at school
If your child avoids doing a poo at school, they’re not alone – in fact, 76% of UK schoolchildren say they don’t feel comfortable using the toilet for a number two during the school day, according to new research from toilet roll brand Andrex.
That’s a whopping 2.59 million secondary school-age children who may be regularly holding it in – something that experts say could lead to a range of health issues, from constipation to incontinence.
Now Andrex has launched a new campaign and advert to help kids – and parents – talk more openly about what it calls “the school poo” and to get comfortable about pooing when out and about.
Why are kids holding it in?
According to the research, the problem peaks around ages 11 to 13 – typically the transition into secondary school – when many young people become more self-conscious.
The top reason? Embarrassment.
64% of children say they worry about being teased for going for a poo
61% admit they’ve held it in because they were too embarrassed to ask the teacher for permission
Girls are more likely to struggle with this issue than boys (72% vs 65%)
This anxiety is leading to worrying behaviour, with some children going so far as to skip meals or avoid drinking water during the day to dodge the need for a toilet visit.
52% have avoided drinking during school hours
30% have skipped lunch
44% have held in a poo to the point of pain
Unsurprisingly, it’s also affecting their ability to concentrate – 48% of pupils said not being able to poo when they need to makes them too distracted to learn.
What are the risks of holding it in
Dr Sigi Joseph, a GP and parent, says these findings are concerning and highlight the importance of helping children feel comfortable using the loo when they need to.
“It’s hugely important for long-term health that we enable pupils to go to the bathroom without worry or shame,” she explains. “Holding in a poo can lead to constipation or haemorrhoids and, in some cases, more serious issues. The more we normalise it, the less anyone will feel embarrassed.”
How to help your child ‘conquer the school poo’
To help families tackle the issue, Andrex has launched a new section on its website with advice and information for parents, alongside a confidence-boosting new ad that aims to break the taboo.
Niamh Finan, spokesperson for Andrex, says: “As a nation, we'd rather hold our poo in – even if it's painful – because we're too self-conscious. Unintentionally, we're passing this hang-up down to our kids. We want to help raise the first unembarrassed generation.”
The brand is encouraging parents to start the conversation at home, especially with secondary school-aged children, and to model confident, shame-free attitudes around toilet use.
Where to find support
You can find more information and tips to help your child get comfortable with using the school loo at andrex.co.uk/conquertheschoolpoo.
Andrex’s campaign is part of its wider ‘Get Comfortable’ mission – aiming to normalise everything from pooing in public toilets to speaking openly about bowel health. Because, let’s face it: when you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go.
As part of the Get Comfortable campaign MadeForMums were invited to meet the Andrex puppies who starred in the brand new advert. Check out the super cute video here.