The government in England has released new draft guidance stating that schools should not teach about gender identity. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the plans, emphasizing the need to protect children from “disturbing content.” The updated guidance specifies that while secondary-school pupils will learn about protected characteristics like sexual orientation and gender reassignment, the concept of gender identity should not be taught.
Some teachers have expressed skepticism about the necessity of these restrictions, with teaching unions labeling the review as “politically motivated.” The government defended its cautious approach, stating that teaching materials presenting contested views as fact, such as the idea that gender is a spectrum, should be avoided.
Additionally, the guidance includes other elements such as no sex education before Year 5, additional content on suicide prevention for secondary-school pupils, and advice for teachers on addressing misogynistic online influencers. Parents have welcomed the restrictions on sex education, but concerns have been raised about children seeking potentially harmful information online if they cannot access it in school.
The draft guidance is now open to a nine-week consultation period before being finalized and made statutory for schools to follow. The government’s aim is to ensure children are kept safe and not exposed to inappropriate content while supporting teachers in delivering sensitive and important topics.