‘Species dysphoria’: School student approved to identify as a wolf in class

A schoolchild has been officially allowed to identify as a wolf in the UK.

The secondary-school student is said to suffer from “species dysphoria”, which is when someone claims their body belongs to a different species.

Teachers are said to be supporting the youngster.

Growing numbers of schoolchildren are said to be taking on the personalities of creatures including foxes, dragons, birds, snakes, sharks and even dinosaurs.

However, clinical neuropsychologist Dr Tommy MacKay insists: “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.”

“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.”

Confirmation of the first-known case in Scotland in which a school has recognised that a pupil identifies as an animal was revealed in official documents.

The local authority said the pupil belonged to a group who called themselves “furries” and identified with “animal persona”.

The council said it offered “personal support” and “more specific support” from a “wellbeing worker”, including counselling and help with learning, adding: “There is very little specific guidance on species dysphoria.”

It explained that it followed Scottish government guidance called Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC), and used a “wellbeing wheel” to support pupils regardless of barriers to learning or challenges they face.

The wellbeing wheel is a diagram used in GIRFEC guidance that emphasises the importance of helping children to “overcome inequalities” and ensure that their voices are heard in “decisions that affect their life, with support where appropriate”.

The council was contacted for further comment.

The news comes after a school in Aberdeenshire had to deny rumours last year that a pupil there was identifying as a cat, and had been given a litter tray in the toilets.

It emerged earlier this year that groups of TikTok users were hosting meet-ups for those who identified as animals.

Meghan Gallacher, a Conservative MSP, said: “Teachers who are already under significant pressure due to SNP cuts should not feel like they have to tiptoe around issues in the classroom.”

“With all the other challenges facing schools, ministers should ensure that teachers feel confident that they can take a common-sense approach when these situations occur.”

The Scottish Government declined to comment.

It is understood that there is no guidance – or plans to formulate any – specifically to support people who claim to have species dysphoria.

Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.