Device installed at technical school in Nicosia
School toilet locks were installed at a technical education school in Nicosia after a device was fitted that allows access to toilets only via fingerprint, code, or card. The move immediately caused reactions among parents and students.
Parents raise concerns, ministry intervenes
Speaking on SIGMA TV’s programme Protoselido, the President of the Confederation of Secondary Education Parents’ Associations, Loizos Constantinou, said that following reactions from both parents and students, contact was made with the Ministry of Education. Instructions were subsequently issued for the removal of the device.
He stressed that the installation of the device was illegal.
Accessibility cannot be restricted, says parents’ body
Referring to past incidents where school administrations had locked toilets, Constantinou said this was usually done in an attempt to address vandalism and other problems. However, he underlined that this is not the correct way to handle such situations.
“The issue of accessibility for any student to be able to use toilet facilities is not even up for discussion,” he said, adding that this was precisely why a circular had been issued to all schools instructing them to stop locking toilets.
Vandalism and misuse not solved by restrictions
Constantinou noted that schools which had previously locked toilets often did so because of serious damage, substance use in these areas, or fights. Nevertheless, he reiterated that restricting access through school toilet locks is not a solution to these problems.
Also read: Paphos school assault: Parents’ federation demands action
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