Should Kids Bring Electronics to Summer Camp?

Photo: L-lines via Flickr

Do you have a cellphone? An iPod? Chances are you do – and so do your children.

We live in a world that’s increasingly connected online through social media, instant messaging and email. Young people in particular live online in a way that their parents could never have imagined just five years ago.

With the emergence of Facebook, Twitter and a plethora of social media channels, adults and children alike are spending more time online and less time interacting with people face to face.

When it comes to connecting with nature, there’s a certain nostalgic view some of us carry around about how “in the good old days” spending time in nature meant watching the stars come out at night, fishing at dusk, and gathering around a campfire to tell stories. Camping and spending time outdoors was a departure from the daily grind. But with wireless coverage expanding further into cottage country and the wild spaces we hold so dear, more people are choosing to stay connected – all the time.

For parents who packed their kids off to camp this summer they had to make a decision their parents never had to make. Would they let their kids bring their electronic devices? Or would they firmly draw the line, asking their children to painfully detach themselves from their phone and iPod?

We asked our supporters what they thought in our July Quick Poll.

In answer to the question "Do you think children should be allowed to bring cellphones, ipods and other electronics to summer camp?", the overwhelming response from nearly 500 people was that parents should say no. Here's the breakdown of the numbers:

91.5 said no, they shouldn’t.
8.5 said yes, they should.

Many people elaborated on their choice by leaving a comment. I’ve listed a few below that illustrated the general sentiment about kids bringing electronics to camp.

“It takes away from the whole experience of being in away at camp. Instead of hiding in headphones or texting they get to interact with friends who are there with them. I speak from experience as a camper and a counselor!”

“The privilege of going to summer camp is so that children can be exposed to the wonders of nature. The songs of birds, different wildlife and of course, of getting along with each other on a more intimate basis. Phones should be for emergencies only.”

“They are in front of 'screens' and electronics all day. Today's children aren't familiar with nature and have little opportunity to surround themselves in natural environments. Electronic "diddlers" are hypnotic, distracting and addictive.”

Do you agree with these statements? Want to share your opinion? Join the conversation by adding your comments below.