An evasive move.
Hold it in ...
A reader from Glen Eden writes: "My 10-year-old son came home the other day complaining that a teacher wouldn't let him go to the toilet. I understand it's disrupting class and that some kids can be trying it on, but it seems a bit draconian don't you think?"
... teacher rules on toilet breaks
This exchange on Reddit.com might be helpful. Comment 1: "As a teacher I am so sick of this coming up. It always turns into "my teacher is such an asshole, they wouldn't let me go to the bathroom". For younger kids I plan specific times for the whole class to go. For older students there is plenty of time to go in between classes and at lunch. I would never deny a student if I felt it was a necessary bathroom trip."
Comment 2: "So I have to do the pee-pee dance for you to decide whether it's necessary or not."
Comment 3: "I warn my classes at the start of the term that I won't allow them to use the restroom during class except in an emergency. Ten minute breaks every 50 minutes. If you didn't have to pee at the start of the class, then at most you are waiting 30 minutes or so. Unless you have some medical problem, waiting 30 minutes from when you first notice you might have to use the bathroom to actually going isn't a big deal."
