Are young children patted down or not?

[FLyellowdog]

"We did not do frankly a very good job of communicating initially that there would be an exemption, if you will, from the thorough pat-down for children 12 and under. That was under review when the policy came out, and so we have clarified that. It does not apply to children 12 and under."
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/11/16/131364772/tsa-head-defends-enhanced-pat-downs-and-safety-of-scanners

"We have to screen everyone, regardless of age (even babies), before they can go through the security checkpoint." http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm
What happens if the child fails or pitches a fit during the screening? Does he/she then have to go through the thorough pat-down?

The whole thing is too confusing.

[notesdev]

1. They are

if you check out the vids going around you can see a three-year-old going through one of these "enhanced pat downs"

The kid's reaction is... appropriate.

[FLyellowdog]

3. Even though that's not a recent video, it's still scary.

Video taken in 2008. Head of TSA made it sound like they won't do it, but I haven't seen any posts from parents who will confirm that. :hi:

[Warren Stupidity]

2. then of course the terra-babies will get us!

[FLyellowdog]

4. And don't forget the "anchor babies".

Talk about Children of the Corn!!!! It's a worldwide conspiracy, I'm sure. :hi:

[outerSanctum]

5. Call me crazy -

but I consider my 13 and 15 year old daughters to be "children" as well. I'd prefer that they not get felt up in the airport....

[FLyellowdog]

6. I agree. The feeling up is disgusting at any age.

[Dappleganger]

8. Damn straight.

[Dappleganger]

7. I would not let my kids fly right now.

We have four teens and I would prefer to drive (they have flown quite a bit). I do not trust poorly-trained strangers to not grope them and there is no way that I as a parent can subject that to them in good conscience.