Outrage in China as Guangdong high school reportedly allows students only one class-time bathroom trip per term

A reported school rule in southern China has triggered widespread online criticism by limiting students to one bathroom visit during class or self-study each semester.

The rule, attributed to Ruyuan High School in Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County, Shaoguan, says students have “one and only one right” to use the bathroom for emergencies during class time in a semester. Once that visit is used, the allowance resets only when the semester ends.

The circulated presentation says a second visit would require the student’s parents to come to the school for joint educational guidance. A third visit could result in disciplinary action. The report said the rule appeared in slides circulating online.

When media contacted the school on the following day, a staff member initially said the measure had been misunderstood and was intended to manage classroom discipline. The staff member then said the report was an unfounded rumor and ended the call.

Chinese internet users questioned whether the policy could account for students with different physical needs. Comments mentioned frequent urination, irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea, with some users describing the reported restriction as treating students like prisoners. The criticism centered on the consequences for students who face an urgent medical or bodily need during lessons.