OC School Tracking Student Bathroom Breaks With QR Codes

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — An Orange County high school is using a QR code system to document students’ movements during class, resulting in health and privacy concerns.

Starting this school year, Edison High School in Huntington Beach is asking students to scan a classroom code if they are going to the nurse, library or bathroom, according to The Orange County Register, which reported students are asked to limit time away to seven minutes and scan the code again upon return.

Principal Daniel Morris told the newspaper the new approach represents a guideline, not a strict rule, and that it was introduced to track students in case of an emergency and monitor their wellbeing. Students were also suggested to limit bathroom passes to three per day, according to the Register.

A Change.org petition opposing the approach argues recording bathroom visits is an invasion of privacy, and limiting them could adversely affect students who menstruate or suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or anxiety.

“We demand that Edison eliminate the restrictive bathroom policy enforced through 5-Star app and replace it with a more compassionate and health-conscious approach,” the petition said. “Every student deserves to have their basic needs respected without fear of penalties of embarrassment.”

As of Wednesday morning, the petition had nearly 600 signatures.