Scots child identifies as animal in second 'species dysphoria' case at primary schools

A council has disclosed a primary pupil has been recognised as having the disorder which occurs when someone feels their body is part of the wrong species.

A pupil at another Scottish school is being allowed to 'identify' as an animal at school, in what is believed to be the second case of 'species dysphoria' recorded in the country. Earlier this year a case was reported in an unnamed Scottish council allowing a pupil to identify as a wolf which sparked controversy.

Now another council has disclosed a primary pupil has been recognised as having the disorder which occurs when someone feels their body is part of the wrong species. Some neuropsychologists question whether such a condition exists.

There have been reports of students trying to 'identify' as the likes of foxes, dragons, birds, snakes, sharks, and even dinosaurs, reports the Scottish Daily Express. Chris McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, accused schools of "aiding and abetting a child's mental health crisis" by indulging them in accepting the condition.

He added: "They need to get a grip and show some common sense. Pandering to what often amounts to mischievous behaviour is pointless and undermines school discipline."

The second council, which has also not been named, confirmed at least one primary pupil claimed to identify as a different species but did not disclose the animal in question.

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."

Advice is now being sought from educational psychologists, but no teacher guidance has been given. A school in Aberdeenshire previously had to deny claims a group of pupils had started identifying as cats during a fierce debate on gender identity.

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