Tackling the Taboo

New campaign aims to inform teachers about the effects of bedwetting on pupils

Back to school can be an emotional time for young children and even more so if they are affected by bedwetting. Next term, a nationwide campaign will be launched on the subject of bedwetting, aimed at teachers of children aged four and five in schools throughout the UK.

Teachers will be provided with information on the issue and its knock-on effect in the classroom, and invited to request a free sample of pyjama pants which they can pass on to parents of affected children.

Bedwetting is a serious issue for many children and is as common as childhood asthma; nearly 600,000 children and young people suffer in the UK. One in four children in the classroom between the ages of four and five are affected.

Following a disturbed night, lack of sleep can have an impact on the child’s ability to learn in the classroom and, in the long term, affect self-esteem.

It cannot be overcome by teaching the child to stay dry at night as it is completely involuntary. There are ways to manage the condition and some measures that may alleviate it for good. 

The DryNites® Back to School campaign is contacting teachers of children aged between four and five in 19,000 schools across the UK, providing them with information about bedwetting and offering a free sample of pyjama pants. The campaign aims to empower teachers to discuss the topic with parents.

Collette Carney, a teacher from Bury in Greater Manchester, said: ‘I didn’t consider bedwetting to be something I would have to deal with as a teacher; however when you understand the size of the problem it’s a subject every teacher should know about and be equipped to discuss with parents.

‘It breaks my heart to think some parents may be misinformed about bedwetting and blame their child for this very normal phase.’

Dr Penny Dobson MBE, one of the leading experts on bedwetting and founder and former director of ERIC, the UK charity for childhood continence problems, says: ‘Bedwetting can be a highly emotional issue for many families.  Often misunderstood, many parents don’t know which way to turn - leading to a lot of confusion on how to manage and treat the issue.                                                                                                                              

‘Teachers play a vital role in supporting both parents and children through this stage and I would encourage them to request sampling packs by visiting www.drynites.co.uk/teachers.

‘Managing the immediate effects of bedwetting can be a big help, and DryNites® can provide peace of mind for parent and child. If teachers note a child to be exhausted and uninterested in class; a one-to-one with the parent may be of value. With one in four suffering, it is likely that some children in any class may need further support and advice about bedwetting.

‘Being discreet is essential; whilst I am very keen to normalise the issue, protecting a child’s anonymity is important. Supporting a child through bedwetting doesn’t mean the issue should be shared with the class, in fact quite the opposite.

‘Teachers can direct parents to the DryNites® website to find lots of information that can be a real comfort. Bedwetting is so common yet there is a real reluctance to talk about it. I hope through this campaign parents and teachers alike can talk more openly about the issue.’

Teachers can look out for information about bedwetting being mailed to them from this week, and can then order free pyjama pants samples for children aged four to five by visiting www.drynites.co.uk/teachers.