Aged four pupils in Scotland can change their gender without their parent consent

Children in Scotland as young as four years old are now able to change their names and genders at schools without requiring parental consent

This was disclosed by the Scottish government in a document issued on Thursday, that children as young as four will be able to change their gender at school without their parents’ consent under guidance introduced in the country.

It was disclosed that any pupil who decides they want to switch gender must be supported and listened to in school following the Scottish Government’s 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.

Along with these guidelines, schools have been told that transgender students should use whatever bathroom or locker room they prefer. The creation of more gender-neutral uniforms and inclusion of transgender characters in lessons and reading materials are being developed.

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.’

A section on ‘changing name and recorded sex’ says children simply need to tell others informally that they want to use a different name, and that they don’t need to record this formally on their official school record. Advice to school staff on what to do if a child wants to discuss their gender includes asking ‘what name and pronoun you should use to address them’.

The deputy first minister, John Swinney  said in a statement in July that Scotland is already considered one of the most progressive nations in Europe.

It also says that they should ask if their family are aware they are considering their gender identity – but does not suggest the teacher should contact them.

The guidance document also states that no Scottish law compels people to use the toilets that correspond to the gender they were assigned at birth.

Marion Calder, director of the For Women Scotland campaign group, said: ‘To be transgender you have to have a diagnosis of gender dysphoria. What are they thinking? Parents will be very concerned “