Schools in England are increasingly dealing with constipation among pupils, with teachers reporting the need to stock laxatives, nappies for accidents, and even hospital admissions for severe cases. This growing issue is affecting children’s health, education, and confidence, prompting calls for greater awareness and support.
Constipation, though common in children, is becoming more prevalent in schools, with teachers now administering prescribed laxatives like Movicol to pupils. In the most serious cases, constipation can lead to surgery, while milder cases often result in school avoidance due to embarrassment and discomfort.
According to NHS data analysed by The Guardian, over 44,000 children were admitted to hospital with constipation last year. Diagnoses among primary schoolchildren have risen by 60% in the past decade, highlighting the scale of the problem.
Sarah Smith, executive headteacher of two primary schools in Blackpool, Christ the King and St Cuthbert’s Catholic academies, says constipation is a significant but underreported issue. “Families often don’t tell us about it,” she explained. “But we have Movicol in our medical safe, which we administer to children in several classes. Ten years ago, most staff wouldn’t have known what Movicol was. Now, 90% do.”
Smith attributes the rise in constipation to factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and insufficient water intake. “We encourage children to drink water, but many refuse plain water,” she said. Juice is limited to break and lunchtimes to prevent tooth decay. She also expressed concern about cuts to health visitor services, which previously provided vital support to families.
In schools, children prescribed Movicol are given hot-water bottles for tummy aches, and parents are informed if their child experiences issues. Smith also noted a worrying trend of children developing toilet phobias, particularly post-Covid. “We’ve seen children who can’t use school toilets, especially for bowel movements,” she said.
Dr. Babu Vadamalayan, a paediatric gastroenterologist, explained that constipation is multi-factorial, affecting children across all socioeconomic groups. Dirty school toilets and restricted bathroom access during lessons are contributing factors. A survey by Eric, a children’s bowel and bladder charity, found that 48% of secondary schoolchildren are not allowed to use the toilet during class.
Simone Beach, headteacher of Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, has also seen a rise in constipation cases. “It affects attendance and education,” she said. “Some children require hospital admission in severe cases.” Beach believes the cost-of-living crisis and child poverty are exacerbating the problem. “Poverty impacts physical and mental health. Life is tough for these families,” she added.
At Sacred Heart, several children are now on daily Movicol sachets, compared to just one a few years ago. Some older children wear protective Pull-Ups to avoid accidents, while others have needed nappies throughout their time at school.
For Beach, supporting children’s health is as important as teaching them maths and English. “Schools like ours are here to support families in every way we can,” she said.
As constipation continues to affect more children, schools are calling for greater awareness, better access to health services, and improved support for families to address this growing issue.
