The Scottish government has announced that children as young as four will be able to change their gender identity at school without their parents’ consent. This is under the guidance introduced in the European nation.
The Scottish Government advised that those pupils who want to switch their gender should be supported and listened. This guidance is applicable to primary schools where the youngest children are four years old. The reasoning is that ‘recognition and development of gender identity can occur at a young age.”
The government has directed teachers not to question children who want to transition to live as a girl or boy. They should only ask for their new pronouns. Both primary and secondary schools have also been urged to stock books which feature transgender people on the curriculum. Pupils will be allowed to decide which toilets or changing rooms to use while at school.
Schools have also been encouraged to introduce gender neutral uniforms. Observers termed these new guidelines as ‘shocking’ and people raised concerns as to why the government is allowing children to make life-changing decisions at such tender age.
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“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,’ the statement read in part.
The guidance also states that teachers should ask if their family is aware that they are changing their gender identity but the teacher should not contact the parents. Further, the guidance states that there is no law in Scotland that compels people to use toilets that correspond to the gender that they were assigned at birth.
‘This guidance outlines how schools can support transgender young people while ensuring that the rights of all pupils are fully respected,’ said the Scottish education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville.
‘It provides schools with practical suggestions. The guidance is not prescriptive and does not promote transitioning.’
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