How common is wetting accidents at school in older children?

[Tom012]

my brother is 12 years old, his pants were quite wet. Apparently the teacher wouldn’t let him go to the toilet. Being in secondary school this concerns me for bullying etc. Does anyone else on here experienced this before in older children?

[StellaA]

Certainly less common than in primary school where accidents are just par for the course, but if he's just started it might take him time to get used to the new surroundings.Does he have a previous history of daytime accidents or bedwetting?

[Tom012 in reply to StellaA]

It’s been a problem for years. I believe it’s down to drinking water and teachers denying access. It only seems to happen at school

[Yaleamanda]

Is this a new thing, wetting during the day or has it been going on for some time? It isn't as common in high school and if there is an ongoing issue I would speak to the school so that they are aware of the medical issues surrounding this and the need to be able to go to the toilet.

[Tom012 in reply to Yaleamanda]

Some time unfortunately. Teachers often are very picky about toilet visits

[Yaleamanda in reply to Tom012]

As it has been ongoing for some time I would start to look at constipation as the cause - guilty until proven otherwise. Also someone needs to speak to the school SENCO and ensure that he is allowed to go to the toilet as he has a need, they can arrange a toilet pass for him to go.

[Frogstar13]

Very common for kids who are constipated/ impacted. If your parent contact the school & say he needs access to toilet at all times? This is what have done for my 9 yo son.

[Tom012 in reply to Frogstar13]

I remember a few years back, my brother said he wanted the toilet and the teacher said you can wait, despite being clearly desperate. Next thing you know there was a huge puddle on the floor! My parents complained but the teacher just brushed it under the mat, and stressed the importance of going at break times. Problem is, bladders don’t have a set time to pee, the urge could come at any time

[Helen36]

Hiya - I would suggest getting your brother along to a GP to discuss. Whilst not drinking enough and access to toilets are all part of having healthy bladders I think it would be good for him to chat through what’s happening with a medial professional who can look at whether there might be something else going on that is causing the accidents and meaning he finds it harder to hold on that other kids his age. As the other replies say, constipation is a really common cause of wee accidents - and can mean you can’t hold your wee as long as others which might be why it’s only happening at school. it’s also not always obvious someone is constipated but there are medicines that can help and important to get it fixed.

Have a look at the ERIC website - they have lots of information on there about accidents at all ages and some good information about how to talk to a school. The link below is aimed at primary school but good for secondary too eric.org.uk/Blogs/blog/how-...