Gender Dysphoria in Kids Soars 50-Fold in a Decade
Is this a perfect storm of social contagion, online influence, and cultural shifts which are fueling the surge in gender dysphoria among children?
I spoke to GB News earlier today about todays report in The Telegraph that reveals an astonishing 50-fold increase in children in England experiencing gender dysphoria over the past decade. In 2011, there were just 200 cases, but by 2021, that number had risen to 10,000. From my perspective this surge cannot be ignored and raises serious concerns.
I believe this rise is largely driven by social contagion, the influence of social media, and the politicisation of trans identities. Vulnerable children—many of whom are dealing with autism or mental health issues—may be drawn to the idea of adopting a new identity as a way to cope with feelings of distress or not fitting in. For teenage girls in particular, this pattern appears to echo how body hatred has historically manifested in other ways, such as anorexia, bulimia, and self-harm.
What worries me most is how readily some clinicians seem to accept these cases without further scrutiny. A 50-fold increase in such a short time should trigger serious questions and careful research, not rushed medical interventions. We must explore less invasive options—such as psychosocial support—before making irreversible changes to young people’s bodies, especially when these decisions could have long-term consequences for fertility and overall health.
This is a perfect storm of social contagion, technology, and vulnerable young people searching for answers. It’s absolutely crucial that we approach this issue with caution and a willingness to ask difficult questions, always keeping the best interests of these children at the forefront.
Estranged for 3 years. This cannot be ignored. The social acceptance and ignorance around this harmful treatment must be shared. I ran into a neighbor yesterday who inquired about my son. I shared that he had assumed a trans identity. She responded with a hearty ‘congratulations, just so you know, I’m an ally
You’re the fourth person I’ve heard of, 2 in one family’. She saw the rise as evidence of greater acceptance of a condition previously rallied against. Looked at me pityingly & sorrowful for struggling with acceptance. Explaining social contagion is exhausting. They are so wrapped up in their moral cloak. I said, why do you so readily affirm my son’s delusion, he’ll never be a woman. Please think twice & dig a little deeper before you say you are an ally.
Thank you Stella for the calm & concise way you share, given limited exposure to get the message across. It’s such a battle.
Many parents in my support group have reported that we have had such deep despair when our kids got caught up in the "trans trap" that we sometimes don't have the will to keep living. Our grief is deep.