Should children at school be forced to dress down for PE?

Some PE activities require different clothing to be done safely and it would not be a good idea for children to participate in their normal clothes. And it is more hygienic to change clothes for exercise.

The change of clothes is justified, but there is no value I can see in putting them through the lack of privacy getting changed. The vast majority of us dreaded it horribly. We were even forced to shower together in an open room. Having gone through it, I can’t say it was a character builder.lol If privacy is an option, hygiene is likely to improve.

Yes omg especially the boys, probably been awhile since you smelled a middle schooler

It should be required for good hygiene, but if the child is upset at the prospect of undressing or showering in front of their classmates, provision should be made for their privacy. I used to come to school with my PE kit beneath my school uniform. Took off my skirt and blouse in the changing room, then my shoes and socks outside the gym.

No, they should wear their best clothes and then spend the rest of the day sweat-soaked and stinky.

It didn’t hurt me. I was in middle and high school a long time ago.
Kids don’t get enough activity during the day now.

I would suggest that classroom behaviors would improve with more opportunity for physical activity during the day..

I am old school though.

I think it should be a requirement, however, they should have an option to change their clothes in stalls. I remember how I often deliberately came back from PE late or much earlier to have more space and privacy. Sometimes I went to change to a toilet room.

It simply makes sense for wearing clothes that allow more freedom of movement and in warm climates are cooler. It keeps their regular school clothes cleaner. We changed for PE when I was in school. It's really not that big a deal.

I think it's best for kids to adapt and overcome their fears.

I was always nervous to remove my even my shirt when I was in School. But I managed to change during college.

My kiddo’s school ditched the changing policy and swapped it out with a ‘cone to school in clothes that are good for PE on PE days’ instead

No but of course it's better for them to wear lightweight clothes that don't hinder their movement & enable them to perform to the max of their abilites. I miss PE 🥲

Would you go to the gym or play sports in bulky, restricting clothes just so you look good?

When I was at school, we had two different uniforms. A dark blue normal uniform, and a red and navy blue uniform for PE.

Just put on the gear without making a fuss

they should be encouraged to dress down, but, not forced.

We had gym wear with our own locker.

PE should be optional

Wear gym or exercise clothing ? Sure, why not ?

No child should be [i]forced[/i] to do anything x