Children as young as four will be able to change their 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 the Scottish Government advice.
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’.
It also tells teachers not to question a child who says they want to transition to live as a boy or a girl - and instead ask for their new name and pronouns.
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.
But the guidance was branded ‘shocking’ and led to concerns that children are being allowed to make life-changing decisions at too young an age.
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.’
