Is it acceptable to listen to music at the beach? (teens, parents)

[IBadget]

Living in Hawaii, the go-to-the-beach state, my family and I would go to the beach when I was a teen. My parents would not let me bring a radio to the beach because according to them, the purpose of going to the beach is to enjoy the beach, and if I'm just going to listen to the radio, I might as well stay home. The only time I was allowed to bring a radio to the beach was when we were having a picnic there, e.g., on the Fourth of July.

Because each family has different rules, is it acceptable to listen to music, e.g., radio, Walkman, CDs, MP3 player, iPod, etc., at the beach? If so, under what circumstances?

[stan4]

You know, I don't think there's anything wrong with it as long as it's not so loud that anyone else has to listen to it. If you have earphones, why not?

[geekduo]

As long as it's not blaring and disturbing others it is perfectly acceptable.

[jkcoop]

I always thought the purpose of going to the beach was to relax and if bringing and ipod or something of that sort, with your headphones is relaxing, then why not?
Bringing a radio and playing it so other are subjected to your personal taste in music - then no.

[old biddie]

Maybe back then your parents were trying to have family time. Most teens don't love family time, and tend to find ways to escape like to talk on the phone or put on the earphones.
I can see both sides now that I am a Mom, and I may say the same thing to my kid when he is a teen. If you are all grown up now, you should be able to do what you want, and if you don't have kids yet, you may not understand what your parents were feeling. If you have kids, you may one day realize what your parents were doing, and it may shock you to find yourself doing or saying the same thing...

[yankeegirl313]

Yep...I say, be sensible about it... teen or not. You wanna bring music? fine, but don`t be rude to others around you, that don`t want to hear it.

[Blondie621]

With low volume or headphones..yes!

[Sum1Else]

Yup, fine to listen as long as you don't subject others to your choice in music.

[IBadget]

Originally Posted by old biddie

Maybe back then your parents were trying to have family time. Most teens don't love family time, and tend to find ways to escape like to talk on the phone or put on the earphones.
I can see both sides now that I am a Mom, and I may say the same thing to my kid when he is a teen. If you are all grown up now, you should be able to do what you want, and if you don't have kids yet, you may not understand what your parents were feeling. If you have kids, you may one day realize what your parents were doing, and it may shock you to find yourself doing or saying the same thing...

It's good that you brought up parents having family time with their children. My dad told me that it's bad manners to wear earphones when I'm supposed to be spending quality time with my family. My dad also told me that he'd like to be able to talk to me without the earphones on.

I would also like to applaud other posters for bringing up consideration for others, e.g., keeping the volume on the music device low or using earphones so as not to disturb others. The beach is a place to have fun, but children must be made to understand that the beach is a public place and that they must therefore mind their manners and behave and dress appropriately. If you want to sunbathe/get sunshine and play loud music without being embarrassed by the general public, that's what your backyard is for. The beach is not your backyard and thus is not an extension of your home.