News
October 29, 2025
Ford government having discussions to ‘better safeguard the use of seclusion rooms’ in schools
Advocates say the lack of standards for such rooms, especially after a student died in a ‘sensory’ room last year, is ‘outrageous’
**Ford Government in Talks to Strengthen Oversight of Seclusion Rooms in Schools**
The Ontario government, led by Premier Doug Ford, has confirmed it is engaged in discussions aimed at improving the safety and regulation of seclusion rooms within the province's schools. This move comes amid growing concerns from advocacy groups and parents regarding the use of these rooms, particularly in the wake of a tragic incident last year where a student died in a school's sensory room.
Seclusion rooms, also sometimes referred to as sensory rooms or de-escalation rooms, are intended to provide a space for students experiencing emotional distress or behavioral challenges to calm down and regain control. However, the lack of consistent standards and oversight across different school boards has raised serious questions about their appropriate use and potential risks.
Advocates argue that the absence of clear guidelines leaves vulnerable students at risk. They emphasize the need for standardized protocols regarding the duration of time a student can be placed in a seclusion room, the training required for staff supervising these rooms, and the documentation of incidents involving their use. The death of a student in a sensory room last year has intensified calls for urgent action, with advocates describing the current situation as "outrageous" and demanding immediate reforms to prevent future tragedies.
The ongoing discussions within the Ford government are expected to focus on establishing province-wide standards for the design, maintenance, and operation of seclusion rooms. This could include implementing mandatory training programs for school staff on de-escalation techniques and the appropriate use of these rooms, as well as developing clear protocols for monitoring students while they are in seclusion. Furthermore, the government may explore options for improving data collection and reporting on the use of seclusion rooms to better understand the frequency and circumstances under which they are being utilized.
While details of the proposed changes remain under discussion, the government's acknowledgement of the issue and its commitment to exploring solutions offer a glimmer of hope for advocates who have long been pushing for greater accountability and transparency in the use of seclusion rooms within Ontario's schools. The outcome of these discussions will be closely watched by parents, educators, and disability rights organizations across the province.
The Ontario government, led by Premier Doug Ford, has confirmed it is engaged in discussions aimed at improving the safety and regulation of seclusion rooms within the province's schools. This move comes amid growing concerns from advocacy groups and parents regarding the use of these rooms, particularly in the wake of a tragic incident last year where a student died in a school's sensory room.
Seclusion rooms, also sometimes referred to as sensory rooms or de-escalation rooms, are intended to provide a space for students experiencing emotional distress or behavioral challenges to calm down and regain control. However, the lack of consistent standards and oversight across different school boards has raised serious questions about their appropriate use and potential risks.
Advocates argue that the absence of clear guidelines leaves vulnerable students at risk. They emphasize the need for standardized protocols regarding the duration of time a student can be placed in a seclusion room, the training required for staff supervising these rooms, and the documentation of incidents involving their use. The death of a student in a sensory room last year has intensified calls for urgent action, with advocates describing the current situation as "outrageous" and demanding immediate reforms to prevent future tragedies.
The ongoing discussions within the Ford government are expected to focus on establishing province-wide standards for the design, maintenance, and operation of seclusion rooms. This could include implementing mandatory training programs for school staff on de-escalation techniques and the appropriate use of these rooms, as well as developing clear protocols for monitoring students while they are in seclusion. Furthermore, the government may explore options for improving data collection and reporting on the use of seclusion rooms to better understand the frequency and circumstances under which they are being utilized.
While details of the proposed changes remain under discussion, the government's acknowledgement of the issue and its commitment to exploring solutions offer a glimmer of hope for advocates who have long been pushing for greater accountability and transparency in the use of seclusion rooms within Ontario's schools. The outcome of these discussions will be closely watched by parents, educators, and disability rights organizations across the province.
Category:
Politics