A Melbourne primary school says it has stopped fining children who go to the toilet during class after a backlash from parents.
Students at Bellbridge Primary had been penalised for going to the toilet in class time, with kids in some classes "fined" if they used the loo while learning.
Fines were paid with pretend currency received under the school's "earn and learn" rewards program.
Principal Debra Clancy says she put a stop to the practice at the Hoppers Crossing school immediately after learning about it from a parent.
"We always encourage our students to go to the toilet during recess and lunch time, so they can focus on learning while in class," she said in a statement on Tuesday.
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"Of course, our students are free to go to the toilet whenever they need and we would never stop a child from going to the toilet during class time, or penalise them for doing so."
Mother-of-two Elisa Walker said the penalty system had caused accidents.
"It's their basic needs," she told the Herald Sun.
"Some of them have been known to wet themselves."
A spokesman from the Department of Education and Training said students must always be allowed to use the toilet when needed.
The department will work with Bellbridge PS on positive techniques to encourage children to use toilets during their breaks where possible, he said.
Premier Daniel Andrews criticised the toilet scheme, saying he wanted school to be a "happy time" for children.
"Schools should be a place where kids get to enjoy the wonderment of learning and reach their full potential," he told reporters.
