An American high school has ignited significant controversy online by disclosing the number of bathroom visits students are permitted each week.

Arrowhead Union High School, situated in a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has implemented a new ePass system, which acts as an electronic hall pass that students must use for bathroom breaks during school hours.

Upon learning how frequently students can use the restroom, people have flocked to social media to voice their opinions - and, needless to say, they are not pleased.

One Instagram user queried: "What about girls experiencing heavy periods? I was one of them. I needed to visit the bathroom 2 or 3 times a day to change pads, etc., during the 7 hours I was in school."

A Wisconsin high school has sparked outrage over its new bathroom pass system (Getty Stock Images)

"Even prisoners can use the restroom when needed," a second person argued.

A third added: "As a school nurse, come to the health office and I will provide you with an unlimited bathroom pass. FYI, NO one, especially a school board, can determine how many times any student can use the bathroom. Period."

"This shouldn't even be a topic of discussion. Allow those kids to go to the bathroom," insisted a fourth, while a fifth remarked: "I would urinate in the hallway just to make a point if someone told me, 'No, you can't go right now.' Sorry, but I can't hold it."

Another admitted: "I'd be suspended because my bladder is really weak."

And a final Instagram user suggested: "Just get up and leave. Face the consequences later. Involve your mom and press the issue.

"If the school administration wants to spend time dealing with it, let them."

So, what is the actual number that has caused all this uproar?

The school's superintendent claimed the new system 'ensures safety, maximizes student learning, encourages responsibility, and minimizes inappropriate behavior' (Greggory DiSalvo / Getty Images)

Well, with the new system in place, students are limited to just three bathroom visits per day and a total of seven visits per week.

Additionally, the system also restricts the number of students who can check out passes at the same time, creating further barriers to bathroom access.

JP Moen, an Arrowhead student who recently addressed the school board about the issue, expressed: "I feel this system should not have been put into practice."

The cross-country athlete also mentioned that the system penalizes him for staying hydrated for his sport.

"If I drank a lot of water that day and try to use the bathroom in two consecutive periods, you can't go. It's unfair," Moen pointed out.

"You only get three a day and seven a week, and if you have extenuating circumstances, it doesn't matter, you literally can't go to the bathroom," stated fellow student, Gabi Eggers.

Despite the backlash, the Arrowhead School's superintendent, Conrad Farner, defended the ePass system in a statement, saying it 'ensures safety, maximizes student learning, encourages responsibility, and minimizes inappropriate behavior'.

He added that the district provides accommodations to students who require extra passes or additional time.

Tyla has reached out to Arrowhead Union High School for further comments.