Desperate times

Angry crowds gather on the cold field. Alarms wail in the distance. Shouts ring out: "Give us our human rights!"

This is not an anti-government protest, or a demonstration about climate change or inequality. Instead, this scene took place at dozens of schools throughout Britain last week. Hundreds of pupils at secondary schools from Leeds to Cornwall protested against changes to rules around using the toilet and changes to school uniform policy.

"Pupils chant against new uniform policy banning white socks," declared one newspaper. One headline even claimed that teachers were on "riot alert" as news of the protests spread from school to school via TikTokA Chinese social media company featuring short videos with one billion monthly users. . 

For some this is a story about human rights. The UK recognises the right to sanitationAccess to clean water and waste disposal. as a key element of the right to an adequate standard of living. For others it is about health. Limiting access to the toilet can, in some cases, lead to children avoiding drinking. 

But staff at one school have responded, saying that the changes were made "to keep all students safe during times when members of staff are not on duty". Others have warned that allowing pupils unlimited access to the toilets leads to disruption of lessons, puts pupils at risk of bullying and leaves the facilities at risk of vandalism.

The schools in question also point out they do allow pupils to access the bathrooms if they have medical needs. Some have argued though it is about teaching young people discipline and the need to learn to follow rules and for self regulation.

Most people acknowledge - we cannot have communities without any rules. Like manners, they help us to live together in peace and harmony.

But when rules dehumanise, the response is often to rise up in anger. Ross Grear, a member of the Scottish parliament, argues: "If you can't treat young people like they're actually people, expect them to resist."

This is not the first time pupils have gone on strike over perceived injustices. In 1911 and in 1972, thousands of young people walked out of classes in Britain to protest against the use of corporal punishmentPhysical punishment. An example is the cane. in schools. In 2019, millions protested around the world against inaction over climate change. In some cases, these strikes have led to significant changes in the law.

Yes: Rules exist to maintain order and stability as well as providing a sense of security. They promote fairness and justice and encourage people to learn personal responsibility.

No: Rules can limit individual freedom by dictating what people can and cannot do. In some cases they may be unjust or outdated leading to discrimination or inequityLack of fairness..

Or... We do need rules. But rules are not always fair, and that is why they often change over time. Everyone has the right to make their opinions heard but the best way to do this is in a peaceful way.