Children and naturism

Also see family naturism

Children and naturism – It is suggested that children are natural naturists, but the role and participation of children in naturism is a controversial subject. Throughout the history of naturism western society has questioned whether naturism and social nudity in general is appropriate for children.

At the outset of modern naturism in early 20th century Europe and the Golden age of nudism in the 1950s and 1960s United States family naturism included children. Many United States naturist clubs held regular summer camps for children. As late as 40 years ago families including some religious groups like the Quakers considered it acceptable to send their children to nudist or naturist summer camps. ¹My Summer at a Quaker Nudist Camp Due to increasing issues created by some outside the naturist community the participation on children in naturist activities and events even when parents are present has diminished. ²Teen nudist camp lawsuit dismissed

German educators like Adolf Koch attempted to integrate naturism into the schooling of children to promote health and well-being in the 1920s. Many European youth movements tried new ways of life in rebellion against the rigid forms of Wilhelmine Germany at the beginning of the 20th century (Lebensreform). They  discovered naturism as an expression of a self-determined life. Recordings from this period are extremely rare. Most of the free forms of life that the youth movement created later fell victim to the state-controlled youth leadership in the Third Reich.

The presence and participation of children in contemporary naturism is a significant topic of discussion. Family naturism which was always a part of traditional naturism may be disappearing. Concerns for the safety of children from non naturist members of society create increasing challenges for naturist families to participate in events and activities together with their children. The propriety of summer camps for naturist children’s and teens where parents are not present has been challenged by mainstream society. ³Nudist Camps for Kids Get Mixed Reaction These camps are almost non existent today due to continued scrutiny.⁴Is there such a thing as a nudist summer camp for teenagers? If so, and your teen wanted to go, would you send them?

Naturist advocates speak the distorted perspective of society in addressing the safety concerns. They point to sociological and psychological studies that show children raised in a family naturism environment are not harmed.⁵Children, Social Nudity and Academic Research Naturists point out the tendency in mainstream society to  sexualize the bodies of children, particularly through social media.

• 3 in 4 children as young as 12 dislike their bodies and are embarrassed by the way they look

• 1 in 5 experience body image issues

• 50% aged 12 to 21 said they have become withdrawn, started exercising excessively, stopped socialising completely, or self-harmed because they are regularly bullied or trolled online about their physical appearance

• 70% say that social media makes them feel stressed, anxious and depressed

• a plethora of other research shows that the mental health of an entire generation of children and young people is in crisis.

The alternative naturist suggest is the non sexual naturist environment. ⁶Children Need Naturism

The concerns about children and naturism raised by mainstream society come despite science and guidance from psychologists and the mental health community that suggests appropriate nakedness in the family is positive factor in the healthy upbringing of children.

Despite the positive scientific research and advise of professional, U.S. courts have sided with non nudists who raised concerns about children and teens in naturism despite the wishes of naturist parents. ⁷Teen nudist camp lawsuit dismissed

[wp_books_gallery tag=”children”]

• Children and Naturism – Part 1 of 2
• Children and Naturism – Part 2 of 2
• Growing up around nudity ‘boosts body confidence’

References

• 1
  My Summer at a Quaker Nudist Camp
• 2
  Teen nudist camp lawsuit dismissed
• 3
  Nudist Camps for Kids Get Mixed Reaction
• 4
  Is there such a thing as a nudist summer camp for teenagers? If so, and your teen wanted to go, would you send them?
• 5
  Children, Social Nudity and Academic Research
• 6
  Children Need Naturism
• 7
  Teen nudist camp lawsuit dismissed