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The guidance states pupils, from primary school age upwards, can change their gender because “recognition and development of gender identity can occur at a young age”. They will also be allowed to choose which changing rooms and toilets they use, based on their gender identity.
If a child wants to change gender school staff should ask “what name and pronoun you should use to address them”.
They should also ask the child whether their family know, but there is no suggestion they should be contacted.
The guidelines state: “Some young people are exploring their gender identity in primary school settings.
“Primary schools need to be able to meet the needs of these young people to ensure they have a safe, inclusive and respectful environment in which to learn.”
It adds people are not required, by Scottish law, to use the toilets that match their birth gender.
The policy was defended by Shirley-Anne Somerville, the SNP’s education secretary.
She said: “This guidance outlines how schools can support transgender young people while ensuring that the rights of all pupils are fully respected.
“It provides schools with practical suggestions. The guidance is not prescriptive and does not promote transitioning.”
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The remarks sparked a furious backlash on social media, with critics arguing four-year-olds aren’t mature enough to decide to change gender.
One wrote: “4-year-olds believe Santa is real.
“They can’t read, write, do basic arithmetic or tell the time.
“They do not have the cognitive ability or emotional intelligence to be making such a decision. Stunned by the adults who think they do.”
Another added: “Sturgeon has lost it all together.”
A third asked: “Apart from the idea being lunacy, what is it with the SNP?
“They are constantly trying to cut parents out of their children’s upbringing.”
The SNP won re-election at May’s Holyrood elections but fell short of an absolute majority.
Ms Sturgeon is currently negotiating with the Scottish Green Party, who could provide ministers for her government.
She is continuing to demand a second referendum on Scottish independence, though Boris Johnson is urging her to focus on coronavirus and the economy.
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