Serious Concerns Raised As Primary School Pupils Are Now Identifying As Animals
Pupils in Scotland are now identifying as animals and they are being allowed to do this.
A second Scottish council has admitted that at least one pupil has been allowed to identify as an animal.
The council disclosed that âone or more [primary school] pupil(s)â had been recognised as having âspecies dysphoriaâ. This means they feel their body is part of the wrong species.
However, the council has been warned the condition has no scientific basis.
DailyMail revealed last month that a secondary school pupil in another local authority area had been allowed to identify as a wolf.
However, Dunbartonshire-based clinical neuropsychologist Dr Tommy MacKay has said species dysphoria does not exist and children should be told to âsnap out of itâ.
According to Chris McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education,
“Schools should not be aiding and abetting a childâs mental health crisis. They need to get a grip and show some common sense and leadership. Pandering to what often amounts to mischievous behaviour is pointless and it undermines school discipline.â
In response to a Freedom of Information request, the latest council said at least one primary pupil had species dysphoria, with none identified in secondaries, but officials refused to disclose the animals involved.
A spokesman said:
âWe are unable to advise you what type of species dysphoria relates to the pupils as the number is less than five. To release the type of species dysphoria recorded would lead to identification of individuals.â
The council said no guidance had been given to teachers about species dysphoria but âadvice would be sought from educational psychologists if required.â
Documents seen by the DailyMail last month confirmed the first known case in Scotland where a school had recognised a pupil identifying as an animal â in this case a wolf.
The council said a pupil had species dysphoria and is part of a group called âfurriesâ who see their âanimal personaâ as a character.
Growing numbers of young people are taking on the persona of animals including foxes, birds and snakes.
Pupils have filmed themselves expressing their ârealâ animal selves, while others have posted guides to âcoming outâ as animals to their parents.
It also emerged earlier this year that TikTok groups were hosting meet-ups across the UK for those who identify as animals.
But Dr MacKay insists there is âno such condition as species dysphoria.” He added:
âItâs not surprising we are seeing this in an age when many people want to identify as something other than who they are.â
The clinical neuropsychologist also insisted councils were wrong to accommodate pupils and the âcommon sense approachâ would be to tell them to âsnap out of it and get to grips with themselvesâ.