Social media misleads young on gender transitioning, says UK review leader

Hilary Cass, who led the UK's review of youth gender identity services, stated that social media is misleading young people about gender transitioning. Cass believes unrealistic portrayals online create false expectations about the ease and nature of transitioning, including medical treatments and surgeries. She suggested social media and gender stereotypes contribute to a rise in children with gender dysphoria, leading them to believe non-conformity equates to being transgender. Cass welcomed new draft guidelines for schools, emphasizing caution with pre-pubescent children and the potential for early social transitioning to influence a child's trajectory. The guidelines, informed by the Cass review, advise schools to avoid gender stereotypes and involve parents, except in specific circumstances.

Dr. Hilary Cass, who led the UK's review of NHS gender healthcare for under-18s, stated that social media has "weaponized" and misled young people regarding gender transitioning. Cass's review led to significant changes, including a ban on puberty blockers. While welcoming a recent draft published by the Department for Education, she acknowledged its limitations. Speaking to the BBC, Cass emphasized the need to support the small number of individuals for whom medical transitioning is essential for their well-being. She also noted that "people at the extremes" have caused distress for young people.