HEALTH REFLECTION 2

VICTORIA JOHNS

On the following health discussions, I have come across a subject that has become both controversial
and interesting to me. The idea of gender sexuality and the safe school campaign in primary school
has become of particular interest to me, as it was something I had no previous knowledge on. It has
opened my eyes to the world of anti-bullying as well as the idea of gender neutrality and what some
kids have to face during their schooling years.
During the first health discussion with Jen about this topic, we were given a handout on the safe
school campaign and what changes have been made to the curriculum. I found it profoundly odd and
confusing that there is over 51 gender identifications. In the handout, it discussed the anti-bullying
campaign and how the education of gender neutrality within early primary schools can decrease and
hopefully stop the bullying of students who identify differently. I have a few issues with what was
written. To introduce over 51 different genders to young, vulnerable children will just confuse and
maybe even scare them into thinking that perhaps they should be different. I came to the conclusion
pretty quickly that perhaps we should just teach the young primary kids respect to others rather than
confusing them with conflicting information. Although I learnt that children may identify themselves as
something they may not appear to be, it may be hard for them to show it and express it. Ive learnt
that the anti-bullying campaign may help with those children to perhaps feel more confident in
themselves and express who they really are.
Before these discussions, I never really thought about this particular issue. As Ive never been faced
with a gender neutrality issue before and never realised the extent of how many children may face
these sexuality issues. It mentioned in the handout that teachers should be able to teach little children
how to bind their breasts if they dont feel comfortable with what they have been born with 1. Once I
was faced with this conflicting information, I came to the conclusion that I would find it really
uncomfortable teaching young kids how to portray themselves in certain ways. I believe that is up to
the parents to teach them and show them how to portray themselves. Although I am studying to
become a high school PE teacher, I believe these issues will become more prevalent in middle school
years. This is where parents still need to play an active role in their children understanding who they
really are, as well as teaching them to respect everyone no matter what. This will ensure a happy,
safe environment for all our students, teachers and parents from reception through to senior years of
school.
In conducting more research into this subject, I learnt that teachers have to make a conscience effort
to not gender stereotype within the classroom 2. And that new material is coming in every year with the
intentions of not gender stereotyping everyone, both in primary and secondary schooling. I believe
these changes are for the better and perhaps can give kids that confidence into expressing who they
really are without the fear of being judged or being different. When reflecting on how vulnerable kids
are in early years of schooling, I believe teaching children that everyone is equal no matter what is a
great message. However, teaching them of the 51 different genders is unnecessary in such early
years. They will become confused on what gender they might/want to be. Causing a lot more
confusion within family households and perhaps stir some unnecessary conflict as well. I made the
conclusion that as a future high school teacher, I will confidently teach and show my students how to
respect others and then introduce the 51 genders. Older children will be able to understand and
identify those genders.
This discussion has heavily influenced the way I think about teaching and how I need to go about
teaching, especially in the sensitive years of early middle school. It has given me a greater knowledge
on how I need to teach my students, as well as encourage them to become accepting of who you are,
as well as accepting others. I believe this is just the beginning of a larger controversial issue that will
become a lot more prevalent as the years go by. I have learnt that teachers will now need to become

1 L, M 2015, Gender Neutrality or Enforcement? 'Safe Schools' isn't as Progressive as it

Seems, Handout, HLPE 1530, Flinders University, delivered 4 May 2016.
2 Rayaprol, A 2015, Gender equality in the classrooms, Teacher org, accessed 6 May 2016,
<http://www.teacherplus.org/things-to-think-about/gender-equality-in-the-classroom>.

HEALTH REFLECTION 2

VICTORIA JOHNS

more aware and willingly participate and help and support children in whatever sensitive, emotional or
embarrassing problem they face during their schooling years.