As a nation, we’ve got a bit of an issue with our poo.
We’re so uncomfortable using public bathrooms, going at our in-laws, and pretty much using the loo anywhere outside of our own homes, that we’d rather hold our poo in, even if it’s uncomfortable or even painful because we’re too self-conscious and embarrassed to go.
And unfortunately, our toileting hangups are not only impacting our own relationship with our bowel health, but they're also impacting our children’s. Unintentionally, we're passing down our poo issues and bad habits, setting up the next generation to have an equally unhealthy relationship with their bowel health and embarrassment about pooing.
In 2024, we set out on a mission to break down the barriers that make us all feel so embarrassed when it comes to pooing, and in doing so, help the whole nation to Get Comfortable with it, and ultimately, we hope to help raise the first unembarrassed generation.
Now, we're turning our attention to school kids as we aim to raise awareness and tackle the effect poo embarrassment has on them, their education and their health. Alarmingly, our recent survey revealed 76% of kids are too embarrassed to poo at school, with 65% of them saying they struggle to concentrate in class when they’re holding a poo and even 30% of kids won’t eat at school in case it makes them need a poo*.
CONQUER THE FIRST SCHOOL POO
Going for a poo at school shouldn’t be such a big deal, but clearly for so many kids it is, with serious implications.
The embarrassment they feel going for a poo makes a simple visit to the loo feel like their worst nightmare, filled with fear and dread.
So, we want to help parents, teachers and pupils to help all kids to create a comfortable, shame-free environment where all children can go for a poo without embarrassment.
WHY ARE KIDS SO EMBARRASSED TO POO AT SCHOOL?
Self-awareness & peer poo pressure
As soon as kids start comparing themselves to friends and peers, they start to worry about being judged, picked on or ridiculed.
Cultural loo taboos
As we get older, we develop more embarrassment and shame around going for a poo.
School stalls stress
Unclean, crowded, or non-private toilets can make kids hesitant to use them.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT ON KIDS?
Poo problems?
Not going when you need to go can lead to stomach pains, accidents, infections, constipation and even other long-term health problems.
Unload and unburden
Not going for a poo can leave kids feeling anxious and nervous, meaning higher stress levels and heart rates.
2+2=Poo
Even simple tasks and exercises can be difficult when you can’t focus properly, especially for kids trying to hold in a poo. They struggle to maintain concentration which really impacts on their ability to learn and retain information, because all they can think about is poo.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP?
Toilet talk
Chat openly with your kids so they feel safe asking to go to the toilet. Don’t make a big deal out of it, and don’t use words like disgusting, stinky or smelly.
Better bogs
Clean, private, and accessible bathrooms will make them feel more inviting for kids.
A poo routine
Keep an eye out and see if your kids are going regularly at home.
You do poo
Talk freely about your own poos to show your kids it’s something we should all be comfortable with.
