High schools in Queensland have been taking drastic measures to prevent kids from vaping.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reports several schools in the area have been locking bathrooms or making kids get permission to go to the toilet.
It's allegedly to make sure kids don't sneak into cubicles to suck on their vape pen and have complete privacy.
Advert
Aquinas College in Ashmore has decided to lock the bathrooms during class time and kids reportedly have to go to an administration block to sign for a key to get access.
Principal Peter Hurley issued a message to families this week, which said: "No student will be denied access to the toilet or to leave class, with teacher permission.
"From today toilets will be locked during class time. They will be reopened during the transition between Periods 1 and 2 also between Periods 3 and 4. As usual, all toilet blocks will be open during morning tea and lunch breaks.
Advert
"We hope this process is a short term response to an issue of student safety and well being."
But the move has been slammed, with one parent accusing their kid's school of stripping away 'basic human rights'.
A parent of a student has told the Gold Coast Bulletin: "I'm absolutely furious, you just can't deny students access to the toilets. What about girls who have their periods, what are they supposed to do?"
But another parent backed the move, telling 9News: "Well, I guess if it's going to stop that [vaping], why not I say. They should be able to hold it."
Advert
The decision to limit access to bathroom has the support of the Queensland Teachers Union, with President Cresta Richardson saying: "Teachers and schools see what is happening in their communities, and they respond as such."
It's one of several schools in the area that have taken proactive steps to ensure kids don't vape.
One school now requires students hand in their e-cigarette devices before class starts.
Featured Image Credit: PA