Despite being a somewhat controversial topic, the truth is, much research has been done over the past couple of years that has gone a long way to help improve the negative stigma around padded rooms inside schools.
Also known as calming rooms or seclusion rooms, these padded rooms came under scrutiny after a few instances of abuse surfaced. While none of us condone such behavior, the truth remains that, for the majority of these rooms, they are used safely and under strict safety protocols.
What began as a way to help students suffering from ADHD or autism, has since blossomed into solutions that have been proven to help students from all backgrounds. With anxiety and stress levels on the rise, even in children, these rooms have proven to be beneficial, providing a safe and inclusive environment for them to recollect their thoughts and calm themselves.
A common misconception about these rooms is that they are simply padded cells used to hold children against their will. While, again, there are instances of abuse, this is not typical use case scenarios. In most cases, while these rooms can be small in design, they are adorned with colorful padding and often contain other helpful items used to calm children down. While each room varies, many contain sensory items such as fidget toys, foam blocks and other accessories that help take the student’s mind off anxious thoughts and situations he or she may have encountered in the classroom.
In many cases, the use of these rooms inside schools is now regulated by behavioral specialists who often accompany students inside the padded rooms. This tactic is used to help better understand the child’s struggles and also allow someone to be present to help them get to a calm and balanced state.
The design of these rooms can vary, but most of them, at the very least, feature four padded walls and custom padding installed on the doorways. This is in place to keep the child safe from the potential of self harm. In some cases, these rooms can also feature padded flooring and other objects, depending on the scope and intended use.
Overall, under the right circumstances and supervision, these padded inclusive spaces are proven to be helpful to both students and educators alike. Offering a safe space for de-escalation, many studies are now showing that these rooms are here to stay. If you’ve got a potential project in mind, do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our team who can help guide you to the best padded space for your facility.
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