Can this be considered child abuse or is it just over protection?

Question

A friend of mine makes her 13 yo daughter wear a bodysuit, that undergarment that covers all your torso, back and b*****s and clips at your crotch. The girls hates that thing, says it's uncomfortable, makes her sweat and none of her friends wear that thing. But my friend, her mom , says it's for her best, thinks it's god for her body and especially for modesty. She says every mom should be like her, because she's just protecting her her daughter and keeping values many moms forget these days. She doesnt back off, her girl tried to rebel (thougyh she's a very good and sweet girl) but got punished, grounded and had to give in. Some daus ago she made a fuss, said she would burn those things, that she would run away (of course she wouldn't) , but her mom was firm. The girl ended up apologising and promised to obey, but hates the thing. Anyway, it seems she has no choice other than to wear her bodysuits and put up with them and the sweat.

I dont agree w/ my friend though I know she's sure its for her girl best. I'd like to know if this can be considered child abuse. I don't think it is, but I'm not sure. Anyway, I don't think it'd be a good idea for the girl to report her mom and I dont think she would, after all shes her mom and certainly a good mom. But Id like to know if this is illegal

I must say she's a very caring and loving mom, shows much love, but insists on that piece of underwear and I don't think she'l back off. It's not for religious reasons, my friend usually goes to Church buts she's not radical.

Should I tell the girl to accept this and obey her mom without rebelling at least until she's 18 ?

Answer 1

can be considered emotional abuse due to the fact that it mays the girl uncomfortable to wear it. This is not the normal thing with parents..this is a family issue of protecting their daughter which can be viewed as adnormal. It could  cause long term emotional damage

Answer 2

It's a hard question. I know my mom made me wear things when I was younger that I didn't like, but now (at 22) I'm glad I obeyed her. That would be just so wrong reporting such a parent. These situations make me not to want to have kids (living under a fear that your child might report you any time when you really want only best for your child).  

Answer 3

no it's not illegal.... parents tell their kids what they can and cannot wear all of the time...

But you cant say this is not "radical".  Who the heck puts a chastity belt on their kids?!?!

let your friend know that regardless of her "efforts" you cant control your kids their whole lives.... and this girl will end up resenting her mother for humiliating her

geezzz.... This is incredible. Are we in the stone ages?

Answer 4

It is considered invasion of privacy, which is a form of child abuse, but not actually called child abuse.

Answer 5

Is your friend Mormon?  I know that some Mormons wear this type under garment as part of their religion.  As unfortunate as it is, it is not illegal.  Your friend will either have to wear it or be prepared to fight it and accept the consequences that come along with refusing to wear it (as long as she is not being physically harmed).  Your friend is a child and has to listen to her mother no matter how ridiculous her rules may be.  It's hard but best to listen to her mom and to hang in there.    

Answer 6

Having to wear a bodysuit will make the young girl think badly about her body image. Does not sound like a good situation. Mom needs to be reasonable.