P-06-1545 Stop forcing school children to undress in front of staff/peers in 'open' communal rooms

Petitions4

This petition was submitted by Louise Phillips, having collected a total of 1,281 signatures.

Text of petition:

Children in secondary education deserve privacy and safety, and not to feel forced to undress in front of peers/staff in an open communal changing room for a compulsory subject (although separated by gender currently). In a world where children are being empowered to be themselves to explore genders, rights, equality and inclusion, some comprehensive schools P.E changing facilities offer little to no privacy /dignity and that's a massive safeguarding concern.

Additional information:

Children have the right to privacy and to be safe, changing in an open communal changing room should not feel forced. Adults have the right to choose but children do not because inadequate existing facilities are being shared in high class volumes, this is a safeguarding issue. Young people have a right to privacy (Article 16 UNCRC), the local Authority needs to resolve this ASAP with the support of Government.
Clear guidelines are recommended in keeping children and young people safe while they are getting changed for reasons such as but not limited to:
- some children feel vulnerable/children are vulnerable;
- can cause anxiety;
- disabilities;
- those from different religions, beliefs and cultural backgrounds
transgender, non-binary or questioning their gender identity;
- staff and volunteers can feel unsure about changing supervision and how to ensure that all children and adults are safe;
- being sensitive to those who physically mature at a much earlier or later age than their peers.

Status

This petition was considered completed by the Petitions Committee at its meeting on 26/01/2026. 

Full details of the consideration of this petition by the Committee and related documents can be seen on the Meetings tab above. 

It was first considered by the Petitions Committee on 06/10/2025. 

Senedd Constituency and Region

• Rhondda
• South Wales Central

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