School washrooms play a far bigger role in student wellbeing than many people realise. When washrooms are outdated, dimly lit, or poorly maintained, students may feel anxious or unsafe, and these environments can quickly become hotspots for negative behaviour.
Recent data shows that 21% of pupils in Years 7 to 13 report experiencing bullying within the last 12 months, with around 12% of all bullying incidents taking place in washrooms and locker rooms. These figures highlight how vulnerable these low supervision areas can be. For disabled children and those with Special Educational Needs, the risk is even higher, with reported incidents reaching three times the average.
At Dunhams, we design and manufacture modern, safe, student friendly washrooms that actively reduce these risks. By improving visibility, privacy, durability and layout, schools can create washroom spaces that support student confidence and discourage bullying.
Why Washrooms Often Become Bullying Hotspots
Washrooms present several challenges that make them more prone to bullying and antisocial behaviour.
1. Limited Supervision
Washrooms are naturally semi-private spaces where staff presence is low. This creates opportunities for bullying to occur without being noticed.
2. Poor Lighting and Outdated Layouts
Dim lighting, narrow entrances and poorly planned layouts create blind spots and make students feel uneasy.
3. Privacy Gaps in Cubicles
Traditional cubicles often have:
- gaps above and below the doors
- broken or unreliable locks
- panels that create unwanted sightlines
These issues create opportunities for harassment or filming with mobile phones.
4. Lack of Cleanliness
Student surveys show that over half of school toilets are considered dirty or unpleasant. Poor maintenance affects hygiene and increases the likelihood that students will avoid using facilities, which creates congestion at peak times when bullying becomes more likely.
How Better Washroom Design Reduces Bullying Risks
Modern, well organised washrooms help reduce bullying by improving comfort, supervision and student flow.
Full Height Toilet Cubicles
- Prevents students from looking over or under doors
- Eliminates gaps that allow phones to be pushed inside
- Improves privacy and reduces anxiety
Dunhams Altitude Cubicle Range offers a full height solution to protect student dignity and discourage negative behaviour.
Durable, Anti Vandal Materials
Using Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) provides long lasting protection:
- highly impact resistant
- waterproof and easy to clean
- keeps spaces looking newer for longer
A well-maintained environment discourages vandalism and reduces bullying opportunities.
Handwash Areas Positioned Outside Cubicles
Placing handwash areas in open spaces encourages:
- natural movement
- more visibility for staff
- reduced congestion
This layout helps students feel safer without compromising privacy.
Inclusive, Accessible Options
Well-designed accessible cubicles and SEND friendly layouts ensure that every student can use the facilities confidently, including those with mobility, sensory or learning needs.
Open, Door Free Entrances
Removing external washroom doors:
- eliminates hidden corners
- improves ventilation
- allows passive supervision
This design is widely used in modern school refurbishments.
Use of Colour and Visual Design
Colour helps support a calm and welcoming environment.
- Soft colours often work well for younger pupils
- Woodgrain and muted palettes suit older age groups
- Colour coding can offer reassurance for SEND or neurodiverse students
Light and Ventilation
Bright, well-ventilated washrooms feel cleaner, safer and more inviting. Good lighting and airflow reduce anxiety and discourage negative behaviour.
Tips for Schools Planning a Washroom Refurbishment
- Assess current facilities for privacy gaps, damaged cubicles and areas with poor lighting
- Choose durable materials such as Solid Grade Laminate for a long-lasting finish
- Prioritise layouts that remove hidden spaces
- Consider open plan handwash zones to support supervision
- Plan works during school holidays to avoid disruption
- Explore inclusive designs that support SEND and accessibility needs
How Dunhams Supports Schools
Dunhams Washrooms specialises in high quality, education focused washroom solutions that improve safety, privacy and hygiene. Our team works with schools, academies and local authorities to create modern, durable washroom environments that reduce bullying opportunities and support student wellbeing.
Safer washrooms mean safer students. Let’s tackle bullying together.
Download our School Washroom Guide. It covers everything you need to know to create top-quality facilities. It includes guidance on standard washrooms guidelines, determining how many toilets are required, toilet cubicle size guidelines, sanitaryware dimensions and heights and toilet and recommended ranges.
Get in touch with our team today to find out who we can help you create a safer washroom space.
