The 2005 World Toilet Summit in Belfast has determined dirty school toilets can cause psychological problems and stress in children.

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"We desperately need to improve standards," David Uzzell, a professor of environmental psychology at the University of Surrey, told the summit's 400 experts from around the world. "A significant number of children refuse to use school toilets because of the poorly maintained and unhygienic facilities. There is an increased risk of urinary tract infections and constipation."

The Telegraph said studies of British schools showed that up to 72 percent of children were reluctant to use the washrooms. Forty-five percent of children did not have access to toilet paper at all times, more than half of children reported a lack of lockable doors and 9 percent of lavatories had at least one seat missing.