You generally cannot tell by looking whether a child’s hymen is “broken.”
The hymen is a thin, flexible tissue that varies greatly from child to child.
The hymen can stretch or change for many reasons unrelated to sexual activity.
Normal activities such as sports, biking, gymnastics, tampon use, or medical exams can affect the hymen.
A child may have no pain, bleeding, or visible change even if the hymen has been stretched or torn.
A torn or changed hymen is not proof of sexual abuse or sexual activity.
If you are worried about injury, pain, bleeding, discharge, or possible abuse, seek care from a pediatrician or child abuse specialist.
Do not try to examine the hymen yourself.
If there is concern about abuse, contact local emergency services or a child protection hotline right away.