Should kids be allowed to go to naturist events?

A parenting debate has been sparked online after a discussion over whether children should be allowed to attend family naturist events.

This weekend there will be a naked family swim session at Blackpool’s Sandcastle Waterpark, but some parents aren’t convinced a nudist event is suitable for children.

The event, organised by British Naturism, is open to adults and kids of all ages and attendees will be able to ditch their swimming costumes to ride the water slides and wave machines in nowt but their birthday suits.

Following a discussion on ‘Good Morning Britain’ between comedian Kate Smurthwaite and journalist Lottie Daly, viewers took to Twitter to express their opinions on the subject.

Many were of the opinion that a nudist event wasn’t appropriate for children, with some raising concerns about safeguarding.

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But others could see nothing wrong with the event and agreed with Smurthwaite that being naked was natural and we should be teaching our children that bodies are functional things not there to be sexualised.

The waterpark does not advertise The Sandcastle Naturist Event as the entire venue is rented out by British Naturism.

A spokesperson for British Naturism told Yahoo UK: “Naturist family swimming has been in existence for decades in the UK and there are Naturist families into their third generation.

“We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and have a robust policy that is reviewed annually.

“Children are safer in Naturist environments as they are never allowed to attend unaccompanied and are always supervised by parents or guardians – unlike many other places that parents take their children and leave them in the care of others.”

The spokesperson added that a “Naturist environment inspires freedom, body positivity and has been proven to make people happier, improving mental health and well being. It is a positive family lifestyle.”

Yahoo UK has contacted the Sandcastle for comment but a spokesman for the Sandcastle told Manchester Evening News: “All activities within our Waterpark are considered from a safeguarding perspective. The Naturist event (including family naturists) is a private event and no one can walk in off the street without pre-registration.

“Any children that might attend on the night are with their parents or guardians, which is part of the safeguarding policies of The British Naturist Society (their safeguarding policy is available on their website).

“As with all activities at Sandcastle Waterpark we ensure that there is lifeguard supervision throughout the Waterpark and all areas (except toilets and male and female changing rooms) have comprehensive CCTV coverage, at all times.”

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It isn’t the first parenting debate to light up the Internet recently.

Last month parents were debating whether children’s homework was too difficult, following stats revealing that only a third of parents feel confident helping their child with homework.

And also recently a mum called for genitalia to be banned on children’s toys after being shocked by the “rude and graphic” depiction of a penis on her son’s toy lion.

Some parents were also outraged that schools in France are planning to replace the words ‘mother’ and ‘father’ with ‘Parent 1’ and ‘Parent 2’ on official documents.