Children as young as four will be able to change gender at school without their parents’ consent under guidance introduced in Scotland.
Any pupil who decides they want to switch gender must be supported and listened to in school following new advice from the SNP Government.
The guidance applies in primary schools, where the youngest children are only four or five, because ‘recognition and development of gender identity can occur at a young age’.
Primary and secondary schools have also been told to put books featuring transgender people on the curriculum, allow pupils to choose which changing room or toilets to use, and consider introducing a gender neutral uniform.
The advice 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.’
The document also states that no Scottish law compels people to use the toilets that correspond to the gender they were assigned at birth.
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.’
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