Kids hurt by lack of bathroom breaks

In an effort to assert more control in the classroom, more and more teachers are refusing to let kids use the bathroom during class.

On one hand, it makes sense. I remember middle and high school, when kids would play the bathroom card every time they were bored, wanted to cheat on tests, or just felt like disrupting class.

However, according to Christopher Cooper, a pediatric urologist at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital, an increasing number of children are showing up at his office with urinary tract infections, incontinence, and damaged kidneys. He feels it's because aren't allowed to use the bathroom in school.

Even though people of all ages should use the bathroom every two or three hours, "So many parents would tell [Cooper's staff], 'We can't do that. The teachers won't let them go to the bathroom.'"

While I can understand teachers needing to put their foot down with regard to discipline, given the potential health risks, this doesn't seem like an appropriate way to take a stand.