Some boundaries that are non-negotiable. A girl’s right to bodily privacy and dignity is one of them. Yet, too often, girls are pressured, forced, o
Some boundaries that are non-negotiable. A girl’s right to bodily privacy and dignity is one of them. Yet, too often, girls are pressured, forced, or expected to undress in front of others—whether by adults or peers, whether in schools, locker rooms, camps, or other environments.
Let’s be clear: this is unacceptable, inappropriate, and in many cases, illegal.
Whether the person pushing the girl is a child or adult, male or a female, it is WRONG.
What Girls Feel When Forced to Undress in Front of Others
People can be so dismissive of girls’ feelings, but they are human beings and therefore they do have feelings.
Girls are not just “little adults.” Their sense of identity, comfort, and safety is developing through childhood and adolescence. Forcing or pressuring a girl to change in front of others can cause:
- Shame and embarrassment – Girls deserve to develop a healthy relationship with their bodies, not one filled with fear and discomfort.
- Loss of autonomy – Being told they must comply teaches girls that their boundaries don’t matter. And they may wonder, “maybe I do not matter?” In a time when we have an epidemic of mental health issues among youth….let’s not do that.
- Long-term emotional harm – Many adult women recall forced exposure as one of their most painful childhood experiences.
- Fear of authority figures – When adults force children into vulnerable situations, it erodes trust in teachers, coaches, or caregivers.
Girls Are Not Responsible for Protecting Other People’s Feelings
Some may argue that a girl should be forced to change in front of others to “avoid making someone feel excluded.” No.
- Girls do not owe their privacy, vulnerability, or boundaries to anyone.
- Girls are not required to put their own comfort and safety aside for the sake of another person’s emotional well-being.
- If a situation makes any child uncomfortable, the solution is to provide private, safe alternatives—not to force compliance.
The Legal & Ethical Violations of Forcing Girls to Undress
Forcing a child to disrobe in front of others isn’t just morally wrong—it can be a crime or grounds for a lawsuit:
- Violation of Consent & Child Protection Laws – Many jurisdictions recognize coercing a child to undress as a form of child endangerment or abuse.
- Sexual Harassment & Civil Rights Violations – Forcing a girl to undress in front of others could fall under harassment, discrimination, or Title IX violations in educational settings.
- Negligence in Duty of Care – Schools, organizations, and caregivers have a responsibility to ensure a child’s safety and emotional well-being. Failing to do so can result in legal consequences.
What Parents, Teachers, and Allies Can Do 
- Teach Girls That Their Boundaries Matter – Empower them to say NO if they are uncomfortable.
- Advocate for Safe Changing Spaces – Schools, camps, and organizations must provide private areas for children to change.
- Hold Institutions Accountable – If a child is forced into an inappropriate situation, report it and take action.
- Educate Others – Many people do not realize the harm caused by forcing children into uncomfortable situations. Help spread awareness.
Final Thought: A Girl’s Body Belongs to Her
No child—no matter how young or old—should ever be pressured, forced, or expected to expose their body for the sake of “inclusion,” convenience, or tradition. If a girl says she is uncomfortable, listen to her. Protect her. Fight for her.
At WeSurviveAbuse.com, we believe that girls deserve safety, dignity, and the right to say NO. Always.
The brilliant and always missed Robin Williams plays a man accused of impersonating a police officer over a telephone and telling a fast food manager to violate an employee is found not guilty, and as a result becomes a vocal crusader telling other people to defy authority figures.
Definitely ripped from the headlines
Unfortunately, in 2025 we have adults in authority pushing young girls to change in front of men and boys. They may believe that they are doing the right thing, but they violating the rights, dignity, and boundaries of girls. How can that possibly be the right thing to do?
What’s the big deal? How does this impact girls?
From Wikipedia.com referencing the real ripped from the headlines case:
Louise Ogborn, the victim, underwent therapy and treatment with medication to address post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. She abandoned her plans to attend the University of Louisville, where she had anticipated becoming a pre-med student. In an interview with ABC News, she said that after the abuse she “felt dirty” and had difficulty making and maintaining friendships because she wouldn’t “allow anyone to get close to” her.
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