Aqualoo: School change rooms: Building safer spaces for students

Privacy, wellbeing and bullying prevention through better design

School change rooms play an important role in physical education, sport, and extracurricular activities. They should be spaces where students feel safe, respected, and comfortable. However, for some students, change rooms can be a source of anxiety due to privacy concerns, bullying, harassment, or fear of being judged by peers.

As schools continue to focus on student wellbeing, increasing attention is being given to how change rooms are designed and managed to support a positive experience for all students.

Why privacy matters

Students are often at their most vulnerable when changing for sport or physical education. Concerns about body image, personal privacy, and peer behaviour can discourage participation and impact confidence.

Schools recognise that students who feel safe and comfortable are more likely to engage positively in physical activity, develop healthy habits, and enjoy the benefits of school sport.

Modern change room design is raising the standard

Many schools are moving away from traditional open-plan change rooms and adopting privacy-focused cubicle systems designed specifically to support student wellbeing and safeguarding.

Modern changing facilities increasingly incorporate:

• Floor-to-ceiling cubicles that provide full-height privacy and eliminate sightlines into changing spaces.
• Rebated door systems that minimise gaps around doors, creating a more secure and private environment for users.
• Carefully controlled floor clearances, allowing appropriate airflow and cleaning access while reducing visibility into cubicles.
• Integrated lockers and secure storage to protect personal belongings and reduce incidents of theft, tampering, and conflict.
• Built-in seating where appropriate, providing greater comfort and accessibility for students when changing.
• Accessible cubicles designed to accommodate students with disabilities or additional support needs.

These design features create a greater sense of dignity and personal security while reducing opportunities for inappropriate behaviour.

Improving safety through design

Modern facilities are also designed to support effective supervision without compromising privacy.

Features may include:

• Improved sightlines in common circulation areas
• Elimination of hidden corners and isolated spaces
• Clearly defined entry and exit points
• Well-lit communal areas
• Durable, easy-to-maintain materials that support cleanliness and hygiene

By combining privacy within cubicles and visibility within shared areas, schools can create environments that are both safe and respectful.

Addressing technology risks

With the widespread use of smartphones, schools are also taking steps to protect students from unauthorized photography and cyberbullying.

Common measures include:

• Mobile-phone-free change room areas
• Secure storage for devices
• Clear privacy signage
• Strong policies regarding photography and image sharing

These safeguards help ensure students can change with confidence and peace of mind.

Creating a culture of respect

Facility improvements are only one part of the solution. Schools continue to strengthen policies and educational programs that promote:

• Respectful relationships
• Inclusion and empathy
• Digital citizenship
• Responsible technology use
• Bullying prevention

Students are encouraged to look out for one another and report concerns when they arise.

Looking ahead

The evolution of school change rooms reflects a broader commitment to student wellbeing. Modern cubicle systems featuring floor-to-ceiling construction, rebated doors, reduced sightlines, integrated lockers, and appropriate seating are helping schools move beyond traditional communal changing environments.

By combining thoughtful design with strong policies, supervision, and education, schools are creating spaces where students feel protected, respected, and able to participate confidently in school activities.

Our goal

Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and confident when participating in school sport and physical education. Modern change room design is playing an increasingly important role in helping schools achieve that goal.

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