I think that gender dysphoria does exist as a legitimate phenomenon. However, I do agree that kids can be confused by social media as well. I try to let kids know that their pre-frontal cortex isn't totally on board until about age 25. So, it would be a mistake to make too many identity decisions before that milestone is reached. So, I do wish that surgeries would be delayed, although I know that opinion is not popular among my more progressive acquaintances. It's up to you how you approach it, but I would probably not suggest that gender dysphoria doesn't happen. I might just suggest that any big decisions be put off until one can be totally certain. I know a young man who told my daughter, when they were both about 5 years old, that a spider bit him and made him a boy and a girl at the same time. That young man never abandoned his belief that he is actually a girl, despite his family's desperate attempts to "cast the demon out of him." So, the young man and his family both just ended up angry and distanced. But I do agree with you that it would be unwise to let a young person have irreversible surgery until much later. Perhaps a new hair cut or a change in wardrobe might be enough to allow their feelings to be valued without doing anything irreversible.
Love the thought about brain development. That may account for the 70% for whom the dysphoria dissipates. And I agree that we should all learn to be a bit more flexible on allowing changes to wardrobe or hairstyle that bring some measure of comfort. The world's influence regarding what is "manly" or feminine has certainly impacted us all, including Christians.
I think that gender dysphoria does exist as a legitimate phenomenon. However, I do agree that kids can be confused by social media as well. I try to let kids know that their pre-frontal cortex isn't totally on board until about age 25. So, it would be a mistake to make too many identity decisions before that milestone is reached. So, I do wish that surgeries would be delayed, although I know that opinion is not popular among my more progressive acquaintances. It's up to you how you approach it, but I would probably not suggest that gender dysphoria doesn't happen. I might just suggest that any big decisions be put off until one can be totally certain. I know a young man who told my daughter, when they were both about 5 years old, that a spider bit him and made him a boy and a girl at the same time. That young man never abandoned his belief that he is actually a girl, despite his family's desperate attempts to "cast the demon out of him." So, the young man and his family both just ended up angry and distanced. But I do agree with you that it would be unwise to let a young person have irreversible surgery until much later. Perhaps a new hair cut or a change in wardrobe might be enough to allow their feelings to be valued without doing anything irreversible.
Love the thought about brain development. That may account for the 70% for whom the dysphoria dissipates. And I agree that we should all learn to be a bit more flexible on allowing changes to wardrobe or hairstyle that bring some measure of comfort. The world's influence regarding what is "manly" or feminine has certainly impacted us all, including Christians.