Is removing mirrors from school toilets a good or bad idea?

Does your school toilet have mirrors or is it more simple like this one?

A secondary school in Lincoln has removed all mirrors from its toilets - something that's got both parents and pupils talking.

William Farr Comprehensive School in Welton said the new rule had been introduced because the mirrors were encouraging the children to spend "too much time in the toilets often in large groups".

This was making other children "uncomfortable", and sometimes making pupils late to class.

Messages demanding the return of the mirrors have appeared on the walls and some mum's have spoken out, calling the move "silly" and "extreme".

What do you think about the idea? Are there any problems like this in your school toilets? Let us know in the comments below!

What has the reaction been at the school?

Headteacher Mr Grant Edgar said that if students require a mirror "for a medical purpose", they can ask for one at reception.

One parent said she found the decision "quite strange" and believed the removal of mirrors would affect her daughter.

"My daughter has contact lenses and braces," she said.

"She does need a mirror if she needs to get her contact lenses out."

Another parent said the removal of the mirrors was "silly" and "a bit extreme".

"They're just mirrors, aren't they?"

"We have mirrors at home, why can't we have them in school?" she asked.

But another parent, Karen, said she could see the "pros and cons" to the decision - with her daughter more likely to get to class on time, now that she can't spend the time checking her hair and eyelashes.

She did have one concern however: "What if they have something in their teeth?"

What do the experts think?

Psychologist Emma Kenny says young children are "savvy" and will "find ways around it"

Psychologist Emma Kenny said although schools have "a right to institute rules" children should be "part of decisions".

"You don't know what's going on in that kid's life," she said.

"That hub in the bathroom where they are checking make-up and covering spots can be powerfully important to them."