Report Reveals Welsh Schools Allowing Children to ‘Socially Transition’ Without Informing Parents
Almost 40 percent of schools are not following English guidance by failing to automatically inform parents if their child wishes to ‘change gender,’ putting children at risk and exposing schools to legal action in Wales, a campaign group’s research has found.
Merched Cymru conducted Freedom of Information requests to schools and discovered that there are widely varying approaches in how schools deal with children questioning their gender identity. Many schools rely on toolkits from transgender lobbying organizations like Stonewall.
Out of the schools that responded, only 28 percent said they would inform parents automatically if their child wanted to socially transition. Meanwhile, 38 percent would not do so automatically, and 29 percent would only inform parents with the child’s consent.
All schools that responded indicated they would facilitate a child’s social transition. The report highlighted concerns about schools allowing students to use facilities according to their gender identity, potentially putting girls at risk and compromising their privacy.
The report, titled “Hung Out to Dry,” emphasized the lack of clear guidance from the Welsh Government on managing gender questioning pupils, resulting in schools navigating the issue based on advice from transgender advocacy groups that may not align with the law or the best interests of the child.
The report also identified instances of forced or coerced speech by peers, a lack of holistic support, and the failure to question a child’s gender identity before affirming it.
A teacher mentioned in the report observed a surge in children declaring alternative gender identities following lockdowns, indicating a potential social contagion effect.
Currently, the UK government has issued guidelines stating that children do not have a presumptive right to transition or demand preferred pronouns without parental involvement except in cases where there are safeguarding concerns.
There may be a potential clash between Welsh school practices and UK laws related to gender identity and pronouns, as highlighted in the report. Vaughan Gething, set to become the Welsh first minister, has expressed support for LGBT-friendly policies in Wales.
The Welsh Government stated its intent to develop national guidance for schools to ensure inclusivity and positive experiences for all young people. A public consultation on the draft trans guidance is planned in the coming months. Merched Cymru emphasized the need for transparent and meaningful consultation to ensure compliance with the law and protection of children struggling with gender identity issues.
