Children ‘weaponised’ by both sides of trans debate, says Cass

Published: 05 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

In a striking intervention on one of the United Kingdom’s most contentious social issues, David Cass, a prominent figure in public health and child welfare, has warned that children are being “weaponised” by both sides of the debate over transgender rights and healthcare. Speaking at a policy forum in London, Cass said that the welfare of young people has too often been sidelined in favour of political posturing, media spectacle and ideological battles rather than evidence‑based care and compassionate dialogue.

The debate around transgender issues — including access to gender‑affirming healthcare, school policies on inclusion, and how to support children questioning their gender identity — has become increasingly polarised. Cass argued that in the crossfire, children have been reduced to symbols rather than recognised as human beings with individual needs, fears, and rights. “Too often the young people at the centre of this issue are portrayed as pawns in a wider cultural conflict,” he said. “They are weaponised by both supporters and opponents of gender‑affirming care to score political points or to advance legislative agendas.”

Cass, whose work has spanned child development, mental health and public policy, emphasised that young people’s wellbeing should be the primary focus, not rhetorical battles. He cited evidence indicating rising rates of anxiety, depression and social isolation among adolescents, including those exploring questions of gender identity. “We must be careful not to amplify distress by framing every child questioning identity as either a problem to be solved or a threat to social norms,” he stated. “This harms the very individuals we claim to protect.”

The context for Cass’s remarks comes amid intense public controversy in the UK and elsewhere over how schools support transgender students, the availability and regulation of gender‑affirming treatments, and how media coverage shapes public perception. Campaigners on both sides have harnessed emotional narratives and headline‑grabbing rhetoric to mobilise support, but critics say these approaches can overshadow nuanced understanding and fail to reflect the lived experiences of young people.

Proponents of expanding transgender rights and healthcare argue that early access to supportive services, inclusive education and affirmation can significantly improve outcomes for transgender and gender‑diverse youth. They point to research showing reduced rates of suicide and improved mental health when young people feel supported and accepted. Many grassroots organisations and advocacy groups have pushed for reforms to reduce waiting times for healthcare, increase school protections, and counter discrimination.

However, opponents of certain gender‑affirming care policies — particularly for minors — argue that irreversible medical interventions should be approached with caution, and call for stricter guidelines, longer evaluation periods, and greater parental involvement. They contend that in some cases, children may be influenced by social trends or inadequate psychological support, and that safeguards must be strengthened to ensure decisions are made thoughtfully and carefully.

Cass acknowledged the complexity of these concerns, but urged that solutions must centre on children’s best interests, informed by empirical evidence and clinical expertise rather than combative politics. “No child should feel abandoned or chosen as a symbol in someone else’s fight,” he said. “We need genuine dialogue rooted in respect, compassion and scientific understanding.”

His remarks have drawn reactions from across the political and social spectrum. Some advocates welcomed the focus on child welfare, calling it a necessary corrective to inflammatory rhetoric. Others warned that reframing the debate should not dilute attention to issues such as access to care and legal protections for gender‑diverse individuals.

Parents and educators, meanwhile, echoed Cass’s concerns about the emotional toll that public controversy can have on children. One secondary school teacher said that pupils were increasingly anxious not just about personal identity questions, but about how media narratives and political disputes might affect their day‑to‑day lives and sense of belonging.

Public health officials have also stressed the importance of accurate information and robust support frameworks. They argue that policymakers must balance individual rights, clinical safety and community needs while avoiding language or policies that exacerbate anxiety and frustration among young people.

As the debate continues, Cass’s intervention marks a call for refocusing national conversations on protecting and supporting children rather than using them as instruments in wider cultural or political battles. How those involved in policymaking, advocacy, and caregiving respond to that call may shape legislative and social approaches to gender identity issues in the years ahead.

Read More At>>