quick question about wardrobe

It's short shorts and short skirts (also bare shoulders) that are discouraged as disrespectful, not shorts and skirts in general. The official standard is covering the knees, but close to the knees should be fine. As an adult I error on the side of caution and wear long pants, but shorts of a reasonable length are fine for children. Some churches enforce these standards rigorously while others barely monitor them.

Many, not all, churches have very strict dress codes for men and women and children. To be specific - skirts, shorts must be knee length; no bare middle; shoulders must be covered. I have heard people argue with the guards very loudly but they get nowhere. It's their custom, it's their sensitivity. It's their country. Some places will give you a flimsy cover-up to wear around the waist or over the shoulders. Don't count on it, though. Best advice: dress appropriately.

Two years ago I saw a group of people trying to get into St. Peter's. The line was well over an hour long. I know people (myself included) mentioned that the woman were not properly dressed - and pointed out the signs. They got through the security screening (security - not dress code). When they got right up to the steps they were stopped and not admitted. Same trip, different day, a British woman argued loudly and physically that she should be allowed to bring in her 10 inch knife. Go figure.

And the rules seem somewhat archaic given some of the art inside. But rules are rules. My grandaughter now takes a light weight scarf to cover her shoulders and wears bermuda shorts on church days. She has been kicked out.

I'm not an habitual church visitor, I'm completely non religious but I tend to visit ones that look architecturally interesting. I'm nearly always in shorts during these visits and never once had a problem although they tend to reach just above the knee. I can see no problem with a ten year old in shorts or skirts or even shouler strap tops.

And the rules seem somewhat archaic given some of the art inside.

LOL, Gerri! There's a heap 'o naughty bits (as Monty Python would say) just in the Sistine, eh?
I think the Vatican goes a little easier on kids but to be safe, why not pack a pair of capris for your daughter? They won't be any less comfortable to wear than just a few inches less of fabric.

I'm nearly always in shorts during these visits and never once had a
problem although they tend to reach just above the knee.

JC, the guards were turning adults (don't remember about kids) in shorter shorts and/or tank tops away at the duomos in Milan and Florence when we were there. Could be that some guards are less strict than others but that's what I observed.

My 13 year old was turned away. We walked down the street and for about $10, bought her a very colorful long skirt with an elastic waist. She put it on and walked in without any problem.

Not every church can afford bouncers to enforce respectful behavior. Would you try going into a mosque in shorts? There's a difference between what you could get away with, and what is right.

It's easy. Just check the dress codes for the churches you wish to visit and then follow them, you'll have no problem. If you don't follow them you might get in but you risk being turned away. If seeing the church is important to you, then be culturally sensitive to their rules.

Thanks everyone.

I figured it was a rule for adults since some people's outfits can be a little risque. Wasn't sure if it applied to young/younger kids who are in simple shorts and tshirts.

Capri pants for everyone!!

edited to add: I'm assuming this rule is just for St Peter's, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican. It is not something that is enforced at the Colisseum and other tourist attractions?

Think of this as an opportunity for you to teach your 10 year old about cultural differences and why we, as visitors, should respect their rules if we wish to be welcome.

Yes, it applies to all. Only in churches and the Vatican (not Colosseum or forum or the city in general) , so brining a scarf or leggings and only putting it on before entering the church is fine. My sons carried light track pants they could pull on over their shorts when we were in 90+ degree heat in Naples last summer.

I usually wear sleeveless tops and have a scarf with me to wear as a shawl. Longer skirts are good, or leggings under shorter skirts. Or a very loose maxi skirt to pull over shorts.

Friends were turned away from the church in Cortona and Assisi. We found the Greek Orthodox churches in Greece were very strict about dress codes but supplied cover ups.

It's a rule wanted and enforced by the Catholic Church inside its own churches, not inside sites owned by the Italian state.
It's a priests' rule, not Italians' who find it a little ridiculous, too.

Those who have bodies that seem painted by Michelangelo can go wherever they want, (un)dressed the way they like.