To think boys in school uniform shorts at -3c is neglect.

“Neglected” does seem to be being bandied about a bit in MN threads and it’s probably a word to use with care. Child neglect looks frightful when it is an issue. There was a post where children had not eaten for a few hours ( being taken out for a visit somewhere) and the neglect word got thrown out. It can be a bit insulting to the reality of children who really do suffer from neglect.

Not!? 🤣

I can assure you my child is neglected, he's just happier in shorts which is his choice and he's defined not in the minority

Before you judge with extremely dangerous accusations remember some children have sensory issues and are on the spectrum. How utterly absurd of you

DD chose to wear shorts all the way through first school; has been unsuccessful in her campaign to wear shirts at middle school, at any time of years, but is preparing her case for high school. She has always had long trousers. We compromised on long socks.

DS is still in shorts and a polo tshirt, no jumper. He plays football at the weekends and doesn’t even wear skins or gloves. Not sure if he doesn’t feel the cold or hates feeling constricted. Tbh, schools are warm places. I’m a teacher. I’m still in a dress, no tights nor cardigan!

Go.

My son is in shorts. He refuses to wear trousers. He used to be the other way refuse to wear shorts in summer. Sometimes you just have to do with it. You can only try.

Sixty years ago, in the very cold winter of 1962/3, schoolboys wore short trousers all year round because all boys wore short trousers then until they left school and started their working lives.

Nobody then thought it was 'neglect' to have a schoolboy in shorts in the depths of winter, so why are folk worrying about that nowadays?

Went to school during the late 60's and early 70's so skirts were short, trousers (for girls) were banned and yes, we wore knee socks right through until the end of secondary school when we were 18. Boys in shorts all through primary school. Still remember the "event" and how important it was when my male cousin got his first ever pair of long trousers at about 11. We survived just fine. Sure, forcing children to be cold is not acceptable but they will not all be suffering!

The school I used to teach in was uncomfortably hot. I often wore short sleeved tops and summery linen trousers in the depths of winter. So I was a bit like these boys! Probably looked quite mad.

Our very traditional independent primary only allows trousers from Y3, shorts for boys until then (corduroy shorts worn with high socks)

Back in the day boys didn't wear long trousers until secondary school.

Legs don't feel the cold like the rest of your body does.

The main thing is gloves and a warm coat, not that teenagers deign to wear coats.

Indeed. I was at school 1963-76. Girls weren't allowed to wear trousers at either primary or secondary and boys had to wear shorts all through primary. That will have included the long, freezing winter of 63. I don't recall feeling the least bit neglected.

Could be anything really. From wanting to or sensory issues. Who knows.

I suppose all the girls had wolly tights on did they?

Mum of an 11 year old here who is sent out every morning in jumper, coat, hat, gloves etc and comes home every day in a t shirt. Would wear shorts if I hadn't banned them. Says he doesn't feel the cold and is playing football etc at break. I told him in jest I'd be reported to SS! But now I can add mumsnet

I tell DS that judgy parents will think he is neglected if he wears shorts. I offer trousers. He laughs. I ask him “Do you want people to think I don’t love you ? Don’t you care how I am perceived?” He laughs some more and puts on his shorts.

He is 17. He wore shorts every day in primary. There were a few blissful years when the secondary school dress code demanded trousers, but college does not care and he’s back to shorts.

Not the case in my son’s Manchester school in 1980s, they were only allowed to wear long trousers in year 6. After he put a hole in the knees of his first pair within days, he happily went back to shorts and only wore trousers when he went to Secondary School.

My daughter had a dare with a friend when in Y7 to not wear tights for school, just their skirt and ankle socks. They carried this on until they went to 6th form when she could wear jeans. Trousers for girls was not an option at her school until after she had left.

of course it isn't

DD’s primary school uniform was long shorts and knee socks for boys no trousers. Girls had skirts and knee socks. Never was an issue. They didn’t close for snow days like the other local schools did.
My husband and the postman wear shorts year round.

Plenty of my DS class refuse to wear trousers 🤷‍♀️ they wear long socks with their shorts and then big coats etc. I don't see this as neglect I see it has picking your battles

… tho you wouldn’t catch me like that below about 5 or 6 degrees. Probably it’s a child metabolism thing.

Just to add that most children don't feel the cold like adults do. It's a non issue for most really.