A recent post from a pediatrician on r/electricforest has sparked renewed debate about children attending Electric Forest. The expert highlighted key health and safety concerns, including:
- Noise exposure: Ear protection is essential, especially for babies, to prevent hearing damage.
- Secondhand smoke: Tobacco and marijuana smoke pose health risks when children are nearby.
- Environmental hazards: Heat exhaustion, dust, and campsite conditions can be dangerous for young kids.
- Exposure to explicit content: Witnessing sexual acts and profane language may cause psychological harm.
The post urges Electric Forest organizers to establish clear guidelines on age restrictions, mandatory protections, and designated roles for staff and attendees to intervene when children’s welfare is at risk.
Community reactions are mixed, with many expressing skepticism about children at an event with an adult atmosphere. Some call for strict 18+ age limits to maintain the festival vibe and reduce liability concerns.
Currently, Electric Forest remains an all-ages event, allowing free entry for children aged 2 and under and wristbands for those aged 3 and up. The festival has developed a reputation for being family-friendly, attracting many attendees who bring children. Organizers have recently increased security measures and enhanced harm reduction services to improve safety for all attendees.
This ongoing discussion puts Electric Forest at a crossroads: finding the right balance between family inclusivity and protecting children’s well-being while preserving the festival’s core spirit. No final policy changes have been revealed yet, but pressure is mounting for clearer, stronger child safety protocols as part of the festival’s future planning.
Source: r/electricforest