Hello. I just found this web site and I was hoping I could get some answers. My oldest son is a little over 10 years old. Today his homeroom teacher informed my wife (at the end of the day) that my son had an accident at school. He accidentally peed on himself after asking the music teacher many times if he could go to the restroom. The teacher told him no every time. My son could not hold it any more and peed on himself. Half the class laughed at him. Half the day goes by before my wife is even told about this. I need to know what I can do to teach this teacher a harsh lesson. There needs to be some justice to this cruelty. Are there legal matters in this? What are my options? Thanks for any help that anyone can give.

Most schools have a policy in which if a student asks to go to the bathroom, the teacher refuses, the student waits five minutes and asks again, and is refused again, if they ask a third time after another five minutes, and the teacher still says no, then the student can walk out of the class. Its wrong to deny anyone the basic need of going to the bathroom, so the teacher is at fault, talk to the administrator.

I agree. A lawsuit is really kind of exagerating the problem a bit too much. Talking to the school is pretty much the best way to go. At least, that's what I think.

What Meg said, and:

Is it possible to switch with another teacher? It's halfway through the year, but maybe it can be done. I wouldn't want a teacher who did that watching over my kid.

I'm sorry to hear about what happened to your son. We're just a bunch of teens and young adults, not parents or lawyers, but here's a bit of insight...

I really don't think there is legal action you can take. I know that not allowing a child to use the restroom is wrong, and not to undermine the trama I know was caused for your son, but I think a lawsuit would be way more time, money and effort than it is worth. I don't think it would be a criminal offense, and a civil suit would likely end up costing you thousands of dollars. Even if you won money, given the fact that teachers are usually of limited financial means, I doubt you would ever be able to collect any of it.

I would first recommend speaking with your son's principal about it. He or she should be your first step. Explain the situation to him or her and see what their recommended course of action would be. If they do not take your concerns seriously, I would then bring it to the attention of your local school board.

Hopefully this helped you out.