I am appalled to see pictures of children of all ages participating -- both "willingly" and unwillingly -- in the plunge into the 35-degree lake. It had never occurred to me anyone beside consenting adults would participate in this activity. As far as I can see, this is a form of child abuse. People who are supposed to protect children -- such as the teacher who gave her student "points" for plunging and the grandmother who was holding onto an apparently unwilling 4-year-old -- are failing miserably as protectors of children. Then there are the 16-year-olds who are participating due to peer pressure. Where is the common sense?/Karen Norskog, Coeur d'Alene Press letter writer. More here.

Question: Is it child abuse for a parent to participate in the Polar Bear Plunge with a younger child?