Thread by @SafeSchools_UK

1. Children questioning whether they are trans need shielding from content on @CBBC & Childline, a mother has said…
Both the @BBC & the @NSPCC, which runs Childline, have come in for criticism for providing a one-sided view of transitioning.” #LGBT
telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/06/2…

2. We have reviewed the guidance provided by @NSPCC (lesson resources and guidelines) and @childline (guidance on their website). We have concerns with the content they have produced. See our report here: safeschoolsallianceuk.net/resources-2/fa…

3. Let’s look at all the ways their resources breach @educationgovuk This thread includes examples and is not exhaustive. Read the full guide for a thorough analysis.

4. @educationgovuk says that schools should use evidenced-based resources that contain robust facts and are from credible sources. Babies are not assigned a gender at birth. There are rare instances of inaccurate recordings for those children who are later found to have DSDs.

5. @educationgovuk guidance says that resources should not suggest that children might be a different gender based on their personality, their interests, or the clothes they wear. @NSPCC and @Childline clearly did not get the memo as there are numerous examples of this throughout

6."Breast binders and packers" @educationgovuk says that teachers should not suggest to a child that their non-compliance with gender stereotypes means that either their personality or their body is wrong and in need of changing”. Huge #safeguarding red flag here.

7. We are horrified the NSPCC is still supporting the use of Puberty Blockers in its resources despite the ruling of the High Court that children can't consent to them. @NSPCC and @Childline have truly lost their way in failing to put the safety and wellbeing of children first.

8. It’s a shame that despite meeting with the @PSHEassociation where they agreed there are serious issues to consider, they are still prepared to put their quality mark on resources such as this which contravene @educationgovuk guidance. Members should be questioning its value.

9. @nspcc resources use terms such as cisgender & “sex assigned at birth” which is linked to a political position & a belief in gender ideology which many find offensive and sexist. The use of the term breaches @educationgovuk guidance that schools should be politically impartial

10. These resources are also unscientific There is no scientific evidence that everyone has a gender identity. There are two sexes – female and male – and whether someone is male or female is a biological fact, not a choice or a feeling.

11. The lesson plans are also problematic. A year 6 resource (10/11) encourages a child to join an online forum and message strangers. Even with parental knowledge and ground rules, this is in breach of #safeguarding. Why is the @NSPCC supporting this?

12. And this bizarre and highly offensive task asks children to put these sexist and homophobic terms on a gender spectrum. It then helpfully defines these terms for the children. How on earth will this reduce bullying? How does it go any way to addressing stereotypes?

13. All of our work checking school resources is carried out by teacher volunteers - the @educationgovuk says it's not their job to check what schools are being sold. However, we do have some costs so please donate if you can: safeschoolsallianceuk.net/donate/