With a growing number of transgender students going public about their gender identity, including many at a young age, schools are developing policies to address the needs of these children while protecting them from discrimination and bullying.

Kris Wells, a researcher with the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services at the University of Alberta, says gender identity is often set before a student enters Kindergarten.

“Thanks to social awareness and new language that’s evolving, young people and their families are able to identify and support youth at younger and younger ages,” Wells told CTV’s Canada AM on Wednesday.

Wells pointed to three actions schools and undertake to accommodate transgender students.

1. Respecting confidentiality

Determining whether only the school’s principal should be aware of the student’s gender identity transition, or whether teachers and students should also know, depends on each case, Wells said.

Wells recently worked 11-year-old Wren Kauffman, who’s decided to not hide the fact that he was born a girl from his fellow classmates at an Edmonton school.

However, Wells said some students and families look for a fresh start after transitioning gender, often switching schools and sometime moving to a new province.

2. Maximizing inclusiveness

Wells said it’s important that schools use proper names and pronouns on records and files, and allow students to use bathrooms and change rooms according to their preferred gender identity.

3. Breaking down stereotypes

“Young people need to know they’re not alone in this, and every child wants to be loved and every child deserves to be safe at school,” Wells said.

He said teachers and parents need to listen to the child’s needs and understand their best interest, while also educate themselves on what it means to be transgender.

“Bullying, discrimination, and sadly violence, is still endemic in our society towards transgender people,” Wells said. “It’s really the challenge of learning this new gender role and to be themselves fully in all aspects of their life.”

He said coming to terms with a new gender role begins at the home before involving the school, extended family and the wider community.

“It’s not a one-time event,” he said.