Strip search of infants

[balletmoo]

Hi there,

Has anyone here encountered a similar experience? A family friend recently travelled through a uk airport and their 3 year old was subjected to a strip search. And the mother was threatened with arrest for obstruction if she objected or interferred.

Anyone out there work for UKBA? Is that right?? I'm a bit shocked! Can't be right, can it??

I think if I were the parent in this situation I would be more upset at the thought of the world we were living in, than be affronted at being asked permission. Children and babies should be randomly searched, it's just good sense security wise and it doesn't have to be a traumatising experience if the staff involved and the parents are supportive and show their child everything is okay.

I've never experienced it and mine must have been on some 40ish flights; doesn't mean it doesn't happen though, and I would imagine there was a good reason. Also makes sense that the parents wouldn't be able to interfere. Distressing for the child involved sadly, but hopefully briefly, and sometimes it's necessary.

My dd removes her clothes at the drop of a hat, uninvited or not. She wouldn't be distressed unless I was - and I reckon in those circumstances my job would be not to be upset. greater good, and all that.