Some students have long treated school toilets as secret hideouts for all sorts of mischief, especially vaping or smoking away from teachers’ eyes.
In some schools, cases of bullying have also been reported to take place inside closed toilet cubicles.
Because these spaces are out of sight, teachers often struggle to monitor what happens behind the closed doors.
School in Johor removes toilet walls
To tackle the issue, one suggestion that frequently surfaces is to redesign school toilets into open, non-concealed layouts where cubicles are no longer hidden from public view.
A secondary school in Johor has now taken this idea quite literally.
According to a post by the principal of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Air Tawar (SMArT) in Kota Tinggi, the school has knocked down the walls of two student toilets, leaving the inside fully visible and effectively turning them into open toilets.
The drastic measure was taken after recurring incidents of students using the space to vape.
The principal said he would not hesitate to break down even more sections of the toilets if students repeat the offence.
“If I see fruity vape smoke again, I will cut the toilet in half”
He issued a firm warning to students, saying the school has already reminded them multiple times.
A strict reminder has been given. If there is still sweet fruity vapour appearing, I will cut the toilet cubicles even further. I want to make it so that even when they squat, their heads are visible,” he said.
The move has sparked discussions online, with many debating whether open toilet concepts can solve the issue or whether schools need more comprehensive approaches to curb vaping among students.
