A British secondary school has reportedly allowed a student to officially identify as a wolf, according to a report by The Daily Mail. The child is believed to suffer from a condition called “species dysphoria,” in which an individual claims to be inhabited by a different species. The school’s decision to support the child’s identity has ignited a broader conversation about the phenomenon and its implications.
The case appears to be part of a growing trend in British schools, where some students are identifying with animal personas. Reports indicate that children across the UK have begun adopting identities as various creatures, including foxes, dragons, birds, sharks, and even dinosaurs.
While these cases have attracted attention, they also raise significant concerns about the mental health of these students and how schools should respond.
Expert Opinion: “No scientific basis for species dysphoria”
Dr. Tommy MacKay, a clinical neuropsychologist, criticized the acceptance of this condition, noting that there is no recognized scientific basis for “species dysphoria.” Speaking to The Daily Mail, Dr. MacKay remarked, “There is no such condition in science as ‘species dysphoria’. It’s not surprising that we are seeing this in an age when many people want to identify as something other than they are.”
He further questioned the school’s decision to validate the child’s identification as a wolf. “Now we have a council which appears to accept at face value that a child identifies as a wolf, rather than being told to snap out of it and get to grips with themselves, which would be the common-sense approach,” he said.
The official documents revealed how a school in Scotland, in the first-known case, has recognized that a student is identifying himself as an animal.
According to the local authority, the students belonged to a group known as “furries” and identified themselves with “animal personas”
The local authority acknowledged the student’s identification and offered personal and mental health support, including counseling from a wellbeing worker.
The Scottish school’s approach aligns with the government’s Getting It Right For Every Child (Girfec) initiative, which encourages a holistic approach to student well-being, including the use of a “wellbeing wheel” to support children, regardless of the challenges they face. However, there remains little specific guidance on how to handle claims of species dysphoria.
Political reaction: Calls for common-sense approach
The situation has prompted reactions from politicians, including Conservative Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP) Meghan Gallacher, who expressed concern over the pressure teachers face in dealing with such issues. “Teachers who are already under significant pressure due to SNP cuts should not feel like they have to tiptoe around issues in the classroom,” Gallacher said.
She further urged the government to empower teachers with the confidence to apply a “common-sense approach” when confronting these situations.
Lack of guidance for ‘species dysphoria’ cases
Despite the growing number of cases, there is currently no formal guidance or framework in place to support individuals claiming to experience species dysphoria. This lack of direction leaves educators and authorities uncertain about how to respond to the psychological and social needs of students with such identities.
The ongoing debate reflects a broader challenge for schools as they navigate complex issues of identity, well-being, and mental health.
As schools and authorities work to find solutions, the growing phenomenon of students identifying as animals may continue to challenge traditional boundaries of identity and mental health care.