Utah High School Removes Bathroom Mirrors to Reduce Tardiness and Disruptions
Kearns High School near Salt Lake City removed mirrors from its bathrooms to discourage students from lingering and arriving late to class. School officials report the measure has helped reduce absenteeism and vandalism, though students have expressed concerns about feeling self-conscious without mirrors. The policy reflects a broader trend of schools using environmental changes to address behavioral and attendance issues.
Kearns High School in Utah removed bathroom mirrors last month as part of an effort to reduce student tardiness and bathroom-related disruptions. According to school officials and the Granite School District, students were spending excessive time in bathrooms, which contributed to late arrivals to class, overcrowding, and vandalism. Assistant Principal Jeremy Smith reported noticing improvements in absenteeism and vandalism prevention since the removal. However, student reaction has been negative, with some expressing concerns about feeling self-conscious and less confident without mirrors. The school has provided alternatives, including mirrors in locker rooms and the option for students to request mirror access or bring compact mirrors. This policy aligns with a broader trend: Southern Alamance Middle School in North Carolina removed mirrors in 2024 after noticing students were using them to film TikTok videos during class time, and reported a significant decrease in bathroom visits for non-academic purposes.
What's missing
The article does not provide data on whether the mirror removal has actually improved academic performance or attendance rates with measurable metrics, nor does it include perspectives from school counselors, psychologists, or student mental health professionals on potential psychological effects of the policy.
What different sources said
- The IndependentLeft
A Utah high school removed the mirrors from all its bathrooms. Has it made a difference?
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