Is it acceptable for teachers to hide in bathroom stalls and eavesdrop on conversations?
At my school, there’s a teacher who consistently sits in a stall during every period, listening in on students’ conversations. She only “washes” her hands with water and leaves after everyone else has gone. Her intent is to catch students vaping, but it makes me uncomfortable. Is this behavior permitted?
While I understand the importance of upholding school policies, actively seeking out wrongdoing by hiding and listening seems excessive. I can’t help but worry about where this behavior could lead.
Edit 2: Thanks for all your responses. Many people have pointed out that this is technically legal, and there may not be much I can do unless I involve other adults. I think I’ll just hold it until I get home since the other bathroom is closed. I might consider discussing this with the principal for the sake of those who also feel uneasy, but I’m hesitant to involve others, fearing they won’t take me seriously.
I’m aware that my initial reaction may seem overly dramatic, and I appreciate those who listened. However, I also noticed that some still aren’t acknowledging my feelings. I might delete some comments to reduce conflict.
While I can’t change how I feel about her unusual monitoring methods, I’m trying to see the positive side—she’s likely concerned about student safety with the vaping issue. I recognize that some commenters are arguing that her behavior is inappropriate, while others believe she’s acting out of caution. I can see both perspectives.
If you’re a teacher, please consider the impact of monitoring the bathroom in this way. It can come off as creepy, even if that’s not your intention. I believe it’s important for teachers to supervise the bathroom from the entrance, as that would deter vaping more effectively than hiding in a stall.
Lastly, to those telling me to “get over it” for feeling uncomfortable, I don’t understand why you’d dismiss those feelings. I would appreciate it if those who disagree would refrain from continuing the argument here. I’m leaving this post up because the first comment sums up my thoughts perfectly: it’s legal but still unsettling.
It sounds like you’re in a really uncomfortable situation, and it’s completely valid to feel that way. While I understand that the teacher might be trying to tackle a serious issue like vaping, the approach of hiding in a stall to listen to conversations crosses a line for many people. It does come off as invasive and can create an atmosphere of distrust rather than safety.
It’s great that you’re considering bringing this up to a principal or another trusted adult. They might be able to address your concerns and potentially find a better way for teachers to oversee the bathroom without making students feel uncomfortable. Your feelings matter, and it’s important for schools to be a safe space where students can express themselves without fear of being monitored in such a personal way.
Finding a balance between student safety and personal privacy can be tricky, and it sounds like there are some valid points on both sides. But ultimately, the well-being of students should come first, and if a method is making many feel uneasy, it’s worth addressing. Thank you for sharing your experience and being open about your feelings. You’re not alone in this!