Rise In Number Of Children Calling Charity Over Transgender Fears

A charity has seen a surge in the number of children calling about gender identity issues.

Childline carried out 59 counselling sessions with children from Northern Ireland who felt their biological sex did not match their gender in 2015/16.

A total of 2,796 counselling sessions about gender identity and gender dysphoria were held by Childline last year throughout the UK. Children as young as 11 told counsellors they felt unhappy with their birth gender. 

The sessions have more than doubled since 2012/13.



During the sessions, young transgender people frequently said they had suicidal thoughts, self-harmed and mental health issues stemming from abuse, bullying and lack of support.

Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC, said: "We cannot call ourselves a modern society if we stigmatise children just because they feel different. It's vital that children have support otherwise, as they tell us all too often, they suffer. When a child is made to feel ashamed about who they are, it can trigger serious mental health issues and crippling shame.

"It's vital young people are confident that if they speak out they will be able to try and navigate these confusing and complex feelings without also having to fight prejudice and abuse. Adults must support a child as they explore what they're feeling and guide them to get the right help when necessary."

(CD)