Lowestoft: Pupil stage TikTok protest over toilet rules

Children at East Point Academy have used the video-sharing platform to organise and film demonstrations against rules which they say prevent them using toilets during lessons.

It follows a series of school TikTok protests which have swept the country in recent days, sparked by a range of perceived grievances, including rules over how short skirts can be.

In some cases, police have had to be called, while at a school in Yorkshire windows were reportedly smashed and a tree was set on fire during a day of disruption.

Reports online suggest that similar actions have been planned at other local schools, with teachers warning pupils they will take action against those behind the trend.

At Framingham Earl, in south Norfolk, staff are investigating reports of plans for a protest this week against the school's uniform rules.

Pupils at East Point Academy, in Kirkley Run, Lowestoft, say they acted in protest at a ban on using toilets during lessons.

One pupil, who did not wish to be named, said it was a particular concern for girls who were on their period.

"The school is not supportive and I have personally called out for help and have not been listened to," she said.

Videos of pupils staging protests have been shared on TikTok, along with photographs of toilet doors and a boarded-up doorway, said to be the toilet block.

A spokesman for Inspiration Trust, which runs the school, said: "We have been made aware of similar events highlighted nationally and organised via social media.

"We ensure students have clean, safe and appropriate facilities and put their health and well-being at the forefront of every decision we make."

Meanwhile, Becky Arnold, headteacher at Framingham Earl school has written to parents after learning of plans for a protest there.

"I would encourage you to speak with your child if they are not in agreement with school policies and ask them to follow appropriate channels," she said.