Don't refer to 'boys and girls' because it could lead to violence or murder, NHS bosses warn nursery staff

  • NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde bosses advise for 'gender friendly nurseries' 
  • They say staff training leads to stereotyping and can have a 'huge impact' on kids
  • Guidance says language is 'sliding scale of violence' and nurseries need changes

By Dawn Thompson For The Mail On Sunday

Published: | Updated:

NHS bosses have warned nursery staff against referring to ‘boys and girls’ – saying ‘gendered’ language can lead to violence or murder.

The guidelines from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are part of a pilot project aimed at creating ‘gender friendly nurseries’.

Nursery staff are trained in matters that might lead to gender stereotypes, including how to talk to children and how to avoid ‘unintentional segregation’. A report on it by the Scottish NHS authority states: ‘During the training, we will explore how attitudes and language are part of a sliding scale of violence that can result in physical violence and murder.’

Language is part of a 'sliding scale of violence that can result in physical violence', says Scottish NHS authorities. They are advising for 'gender friendly nurseries' where staff training reconsider the phrases they use with children (file image)

Language is part of a 'sliding scale of violence that can result in physical violence', says Scottish NHS authorities. They are advising for 'gender friendly nurseries' where staff training reconsider the phrases they use with children (file image)

The staff suggest comments which might seem 'throwaway' can have a lasting and big impact on children (file image)

The staff suggest comments which might seem 'throwaway' can have a lasting and big impact on children (file image) 

The NHS guidance suggests staff consider their use of phrases such as, ‘Good morning, boys and girls,’ and asks: ‘Is it made clear to visitors to the nursery that no distinctions are made re boys and girls when being addressed?’

The document also urges staff to take issue with children and visitors if what they say is not ‘gender friendly’. ‘A throwaway comment may seem harmless but its impact... can be huge and influence a child for the rest of its life,’ it states.

The NHS staff's document suggests language is a 'sliding scale of violence' and there needs to be a 'flexible approach' in policy (file image)

The NHS staff's document suggests language is a 'sliding scale of violence' and there needs to be a 'flexible approach' in policy (file image)

However, last night Piers Shepherd of the Family Education Trust criticised the move, saying: ‘Parts of this have a very authoritarian tone such as challenging parents if they use the wrong terms. Talking about violence ending in murder is very extreme. There seems to be a thought-policing attitude.’

A spokesman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: ‘At no point are staff asked to stop referring to children as boys or girls. The flexible approach means nurseries are free to decide how they wish to take it forward.’ 

NHSGlasgow

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