Concern Raises As Primary School Pupils Start Identifying As An!mals

Pupils in Scotland are now able to identify as an!mals. A second Scottish council has acknowledged that at least one student has been permitted to identify as an an!mal.

The council revealed that “one or more [primary school] pupil(s)” had been diagnosed with “species dysphoria”. This means they believe their body belongs to the wrong species. However, the council has been advised that the ailment has no scientific basis.

Last month, it was reported that a secondary school pupils in another local government region had been allowed to identify as a wolf. However, Dunbartonshire-based clinical neuropsychologist Dr Tommy MacKay has stated that species dysphoria does not exist and that children should be told to “snap out of it”.

Chris McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said: “Schools should not be aiding and abetting a child’s 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.”

In respond to to a Freedom of Information request, the most recent council stated that at least one primary student experienced species dysphoria, with none noticed in secondary schools, but officials declined to reveal the animals implicated.

A spokesman said: “We 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.”

The council said no guidance had been given to teachers about species dysphoria but “advice would be sought from educational psychologists if required.”

Documents obtained by the Mail last month verified the first recorded incidence in Scotland in which a school identified a student as an animal – in this case, a wolf.

The council stated that a student suffers from species dysphoria and is a member of a group known as “furries” who regard their “animal persona” as a character.

A growing number of young people are adopting animal personas, such as foxes, birds, and snakes.

Students have filmed themselves expressing their “real” animal personalities, and others have written tips to “coming out” as animals to their parents.

TikTok groups were also hosting meet-ups around the UK for persons who identify as animals, according to reports earlier this year.

But Dr MacKay insists there is “no such condition as species dysphoria.”

He added: “It’s not surprising we are seeing this in an age when many people want to identify as something other than who they are.”

The clinical neuropsychologist also claimed that councils were incorrect to accommodate students and that the “common sense approach” would be to encourage them to “snap out of it and get to grips with themselves”.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli