Nude Family swim at Stoke Waterworld

I am not a naturist, for what it's worth. I have read most of the thread.

I am sorry that any woman has been victimised. But I can't see that as grounds to condemn naturism outright, nor events such as those at issue.

I was actually flashed by an (intoxicated) adult man with "naturist" habits when I was 14, while in the home of him and his wife (family friends). He walked into the living room starkers while I watching TV; his furious wife apprehended him at the door. Luckily, I screwed my eyes shut before I could see anything.

I feel that this illustrates that this sort of thing can and does happen anywhere. To say that children shouldn't be publicly naked because it might, and sometimes does, attract paedophiles is not a way of thinking I can get behind. By that logic, we should abolish school uniforms and particularly school skirts, as they certainly attract pervs/paedos, and schoolgirls are routinely targeted - I'm willing to bet far more often than children at family naturist events. Recent statistic is that over a third have been harassed or assaulted in uniform, and I bet the true figure is much higher; most women seem to have these stories. Then there's the age-old argument that women showing "too much" skin (entirely dependent on the society in question) are "asking for"/attracting the wrong sort of attention... Or is it that some people, mainly men, will target certain demographics, mainly women and children, whatever they do or wear...? The existence of perverts and opportunists and a certain level of risk that can never be eradicated is not a reason to curb the freedoms of women and children, in my view.

I have vague memories of seeing my dad and grandpa naked, though it certainly didn't happen as much as with my female relatives. I was so untraumatised that I barely remember it... :/ I remember seeing my male child friends naked, though, and thinking it was a right old giggle!

I still think that the notion of parents "forcing" children to be naked is back-to-front: if anything, we force them to wear clothes. And to adopt our society's attitudes towards the body. By late childhood, and certainly by the teens, this process of "civilisation" is usually complete. Young children are all but savages, and I must say I admire them for it.

I want to phrase this in the most undeletable way There are some, who when others are opening up about trauma, feel the need for whatever reason (I won’t speculate but I’m thinking it loudly) to have what we might describe as a little play with those vulnerable people.

I’m used to it, and giving it the attention it deserves (ie none) as I’m sure all the women on the feminist boards are too.

It is quite well-known and widely written about that (most) children, especially toddlers, love to get their kit off!

Up to the age of about 5 or so I agree with you. Teenagers aren't really known for it though, are they?

McSilkson your post is bizarre.

Several women have written heart-felt accounts of the impact of involuntary naturism on them personally, including reflecting that they will pursue support or counselling and this is your response. Have you actually read the thread because if you have, you are coming across as cold and heartless?

No-one is talking about being naked with their mum or grandma but about strange adults, particularly men and particularly as adolescents.

Handsoff if you find a support group could you let me know? Something tells me I don’t want to go googling right now, having had this on my mind for 24 hours!

This thread is quite bizarre... All the talk about "forcing" children to be naked without their consent... It is quite well-known and widely written about that (most) children, especially toddlers, love to get their kit off! There have been numerous threads about this tendency on this very forum! Indeed, when I was a child, I believe my mum sometimes struggled to get me to keep my clothes ON! My friends were the same. I vaguely remember running around naked in the fountain in the town centre - I was a wild child - as well as being naked in the paddling pool in the garden with my friends (also naked). I have photos of us all, having a whale of a time. I also thought nothing of frequently seeing my mum and grandma naked while growing up.

I think that the ideas about nudity and its significance discussed on this thread have nothing at all to do with the way children experience the world, and the way they might be if left to their own devices. I agree that the way one feels about being naked may change at puberty, but I think at least some of that comes from society.

for those affected by this.

It's fine for adults if that's their cup of tea, but very unfair to put children/teenagers in that position.

It’s not triggering for me Hands, the more awareness the better, the thread has been cathartic for me, initially I didn’t think I’d be able to contribute more than my first post, knowing I’m not alone in my feelings, being able to share anonymously has really helped, and posters on here have helped to articulate where I couldn’t, I’ve never been able to share IRL, it’s my skeleton in the closet,

In regards to that Naturism statement about prudery, I tend to swap the word prudery for prudence whenever I read it.

www.dictionary.com/browse/prudence

I’m grateful for everyone’s thanks. It’s a lot easier talking about it anonymously on here than in real life! Very pleased to shine light on this, most people probably never think about it or assume everyone’s happy.

I’m thinking about it a lot right now, and it’s a lot to process. Your research Handsoff isn’t triggering for me, if anything it validates the instincts I had back then.

It’s perfectly clear to any girl, from maybe 10 years old, when they’re being watched in a sexual way, and horribly uncomfortable when naked, and the man’s exposing his penis.

I swear that’s why they’re there. It’s basically a flashers’ convention with added boundary breaking

I've been avidly reading this thread. You are so brave for sharing your experiences. My first gut instinct was utterly uncomfortable with naturism involving children and teens and my rational mind now completely understands why. Thank you to the brilliant women here, commenting even when disagreement stings you personally. It is such an important, necessary insight into something which is usually only talked about in flowery confusing language. Bluntness is needed and appreciated.

A convicted paedophile can still be part of naturist clubs and go on naked trips to theme parks, a judge ruled

WTF?

Well, Pelleas said there was a risk, which was guided against.

I would just like to know how.