Teachers in England are increasingly concerned about rising rates of childhood constipation, leading to more prescriptions of laxatives like Movicol. An alarming report indicated over 44,000 children were hospitalized for constipation last year, highlighting a 60% increase in diagnoses over the past decade. Issues with potty training, family reluctance to discuss problems, and a lack of hydration contribute to the trend. Educators, such as Sarah Smith from Blackpool, report a greater awareness of laxatives among staff and emphasize the need for healthier habits among pupils to tackle this issue.
While constipation is known to be a common problem in children, teachers say they are being asked to administer more laxatives like Movicol which have been prescribed by GPs to their pupils.
The local health authority in Blackpool gives a product called Movicol in an attempt to make kids go regularly and that is a product that we have in our school medical safe that children are prescribed.
We don't really know the extent of the issue of constipation. Because that is something that families wouldn't necessarily tell us.
Smith said as well as diet and exercise, lack of water was a factor in constipation.
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