NSPCC issues gender identity advice ahead of Pride - Column

The term 'gender identity' is used to describe how a person feels about their gender.

For many people, their gender identity corresponds to the sex they were registered at birth. For others, it does not.

Last year our Childline service delivered almost 2,500 counselling sessions to children and young people concerned about their sexuality and gender identity.

More than two in five of these counselling sessions were about coming out.

Young people told counsellors they were worried about telling their parents and being alienated from friendship groups, which was having a big impact on their mental health.

One boy, aged 17, told the service: "I’ve only recently started accepting myself as gay after years of bullying.

"I’ve been freaking out that my parents will find out, because yesterday my cousin texted me saying that they know about me.

"I’m out at school, but I’m not ready for my whole family to know.

"I was planning to wait until I moved to college to tell them.

"I feel like I’m losing control."

Other issues mentioned by children and young people included discrimination or prejudice related to their sexuality or gender and experiencing gender dysphoria, which saw a 20 per cent increase in counselling sessions.

Where gender was known, almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of counselling sessions were with young people who identify as transgender or non-binary.

This Pride Month, we want to reassure all children that they can reach out to Childline as their authentic selves.

Childline is here to be a confidential and wholly accepting space, where young people can discuss their concerns and feelings freely.

If you are a parent or carer whose child is questioning their gender identity or sexuality, or has come out as gay or non-binary, you might be feeling unsure about how to best help them or what to say.

You might also find it hard to talk to your child’s school about it or explain things to your wider family who might not be supportive.

Children experiencing gender identity issues and questioning their sexuality can sometimes feel like no one understands what they are going through, so it is important to listen to them without judgement.

This can help them to feel more accepted and supported.

Show you are actively listening by summarising back what they have said to you.

Try to keep the conversation focused on their feelings and concerns and avoid offering opinions and advice.

Let them know you are there for them when they are ready to talk.

It may take them a while to find the courage to start the conversation, so be patient, do not rush them, and let them know that you are there if they want to continue the conversation another time.

It might be a difficult subject for them to talk about.

Exploring and developing your identity is a massive part of childhood, but it is important to remember that sexuality and gender identity is just one part of it, and it doesn’t need to define your child.

The best thing you can do to support them is make sure they have the time and space to explore and express themselves.

If your child is experiencing bullying because of their sexuality or gender identity, this can be really upsetting.

Bullying someone because of their gender or sexuality is a serious issue and should be addressed as quickly as possible.

There is more advice on the NSPCC website on how to support a child who's being bullied, whether it's happening at school or online.

Children and young people can also get advice and support on homophobic and transphobic bullying from Childline.

Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via childline.org.uk, where they can speak to a trained counsellor about any concerns they may have.

The Childline website also has advice and support around sexuality and gender identity for young people.

Also, any adult who has a concern about a child and needs advice can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or by emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk.