Family having fun on the beach at Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park

Children and Naturism – Part 1 of 2

Since the beginning, naturism has been a family movement. Because its adherents believed that all of humanity would benefit, it was natural that children should be included. In Germany, a naturist-focused series of schools was even created by Adolf Koch in the early 20th century. (Körperkulturschule Adolf Koch) More recently, a multitude of scholarly research papers in psychology and sociology suggest that children reared in an atmosphere containing family social nudity benefit from the practice. In this episode we discuss this academic aspect with Mark Storey.

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Photo: family having fun on the beach at Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park

Episode CXLIV

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4 thoughts on “Children and Naturism – Part 1 of 2”

  1. This was an extremely interesting conversation at a time in Naturist history (at least in the so called ‘western’ countries) when Naturism is beginning to gain significant ground in the acceptance wars. If you doubt that consider that World Naked Bike Ride events are no longer assured to make headline news, even at local news level.

    However one of the most insidious weapons opponents to Naturism are throwing back at us is the ‘what about the children’ argument. And I do not use the word ‘insidious’ lightly, because to imply that Naturism and Naturists pose a threat to children really is a nasty, explosive argument that takes either effectively shuts down debate or takes it into the realms of extreme emotions and illogical beliefs.

    That is why I believe the ‘what about the children’ phenomenon is the most serious and potentially damaging threat Naturism faces in the current era. It must not be ignored, that won’t make it go away, silence will simply be taken as evidence of guilt. However the way it is countered is crucial, like unexploded ordinance, handled in the wrong way it’s an argument waiting to explode in our faces.

    As a father and now step-grandfather I have first hand experience of trying to raise children within a Naturist family environment and the overwhelming opposition that faces such parents outside the home. And now as a step-grandfather to 5 wonderful much loved children who’s parents are more opponents of rather than indifferent to Naturism, I’m now experiencing a form of peer pressure that borders on emotional blackmail and certainly ventures into the realms of ostracism.
    p.s. I quote the British Naturism website only because I am a long established member.

    1. I completely agree with you! But many in the movement believe that ignoring it will make it go away. We have frequently been told that it would be best not to ever post images of nude children. Some naturists/nudists even appear to agree that it is child pornography. If we stop publishing wholesome family imagery, we are essentially admitting that it is true. If there are no naturist/nudist photos of children then all that is left is indeed mostly porn.

  2. Thank you for this. As I just started on my undergrad thesis on naturism reputation in the media in the United States and Europe, and the difficulties naturists have in creating the message that nudity as safe, family-friendly, and beneficial activity. I’ve been ready Mark’s Book on Cinema and, just read his article “Childrell , Social Nudity and Academic Research”, from N&N 24.4

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