Kids as young as four can ‘explore gender’ in school without parental consent in parts of UK

Children as young as four can “explore their gender” without parental consent in some parts of the UK.

New guidance in Scotland has said schoolkids should be supported in using a different gender if they want.

It may mean using a new name – including in school systems – pronouns, dressing differently, or using the toilets and changing rooms of their new gender. 

And parents don’t need to be informed if the child does not want them to.

Teachers with kids as young as primary school age have been told to follow the guidance and show kids empathy and trust in their transition. 

In Scotland, children are aged between four and five when they start primary school.

Northern Ireland has very similar guidance that applies to children from pre-school age, which is as young as three years old, while various individual schools or boards across England and Wales have advice.

The 70-page document published by the Scottish Government last night says: “Some young people are exploring their gender identity in primary school settings.

“Primary schools need to be able to meet the needs of these young people to ensure they have a safe, inclusive and respectful environment in which to learn.”

“If a young person in the school says that they now want to live as a boy although their sex assigned at birth was female, or they now want to live as a girl, although their sex assigned at birth was male, it is important to provide support and listen to what they are saying.

“If others deny this, it may have a detrimental impact on the young person’s wellbeing, relationships and behaviour and this is often clearly apparent to teachers, parents and carers.”

Teachers have been told that it is not always their responsibility to tell the family that their child has a new gender identity if it will cause them distress.

“It is best to not share information with parents or carers without considering and respecting the young person’s views and rights,” it has been advised.

The transgender toolkit says that not confirming to stereotypes is “a healthy and normal part of growing up” and doesn’t immeditately mean a child is transgender.

NEW RULES

The Scottish government has called for changes in the classroom in order for more gender neutral awareness.

This might mean using books that “challenge gender stereotypes” and praising boys and girls using the same language. 

Scottish education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This guidance outlines how schools can support transgender young people while ensuring that the rights of all pupils are fully respected.

“It provides schools with practical suggestions. The guidance is not prescriptive and does not promote transitioning.”

LGBT charities also backed its publication, with Dr Mhairi Crawford, chief executive of LGBT Youth Scotland, saying: “Our research shows that school is the area where trans young people experience the most discrimination and this must be addressed.”

But Marion Calder, director of the For Women Scotland, a campaign group for women’s rights, told MailOnline: “To be transgender you have to have a diagnosis of gender dysphoria. What are they thinking? 

“Parents will be very concerned to be reading this document.”