Edison High School’s New Restroom Policy Sparks Controversy Among Students

Students at Edison High School in Huntington Beach, California, are expressing frustration over a recently implemented bathroom policy. The new rule mandates that they use a mobile application to scan a QR code prior to leaving class for restroom breaks. The change, introduced at the beginning of the school year, has provoked significant student opposition, resulting in a petition that has so far accumulated over 450 signatures.

“I hate it, like I want to go to the bathroom. I want ample time to do everything I need to do,” said student Kylan Slater, voicing concerns shared by many of his peers.

Under the policy, students select their destination—such as the nurse’s office, wellness center, or bathroom—via the app. Selecting the restroom option starts a seven-minute timer to monitor their break time. “It gives you a seven-minute timer and once that timer ends, it can affect your attendance and other things,” explained student Jacob Green. “And it happens every time you go to the restroom. And this is because of last year, people would use the restroom and not come back to class.”

Students are permitted to scan the QR code only twice a day, complicating matters further due to crowded restroom conditions during lunch and nutrition breaks. “In the bathrooms, I would say there’s about 10 to 15 girls in there at once and not including the ones in the bathroom stall. So it’s hard getting into the bathroom,” reported student Layla Elmore.

The policy has ignited debate over student rights and time management. “I think it’s a little against our constitutional rights,” said student Gary Withorp. “It kind of allows us not to go to the bathroom when we should because people can have bigger bladders than others.”

Though the student reaction has been largely negative, some parents have expressed support for the policy, citing increased safety and better time management. “I mean the kids now they leave for 15, 20, 30 minutes. So I think it’s smart. You got to keep track of them,” stated parent Valerie Frantzen.

There has been no official response from Edison High School or the Huntington Beach Union High School District regarding the controversy. The situation has drawn significant attention from the school community as discussions around student rights and technological monitoring continue.