Schools have been asked to consider offering gender-neutral uniforms as part of new sexuality education guidelines aimed at being more inclusive.
Advice from the Ministry of Education, released yesterday, also suggested schools could review toilet spaces, allow same-sex partners at balls, and be aware of grouping students by gender in sports classes to help a more diverse range of students feel safe.
"While social attitudes to sexual diversity are becoming more inclusive in New Zealand, young people who identify as non-heterosexual still face many challenges in schooling environments," the guidelines said.
"Young people who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual often feel marginalised and isolated, and experience less inclusive environments in schools."
The new document comes after ongoing calls for better sex education in schools, and in response to recommendations from the 2013 health select committee, which found "fragmented and uneven programmes" in schools were partly to blame for the high teen pregnancy rate.
The guidelines also have an added focus on consent, coercion and culture, but are not mandatory - meaning schools can choose to adopt the practices or not.
Sex education is a compulsory part of the health curriculum, however schools are free to decide how they teach it, in consultation with their school community.
Policy additions were based on research saying issues included the sexualisation of young people, particularly girls; the effects of pornography on young people's understanding of sexuality and relationships; and examining the bias that opposite sex relationships are normal.
Gender issues were also prevalent, with a nationally representative survey in 2012 finding that transgender students were a numerically small but important group. Around 1.2% of students report as transgender and 2.5% not sure.
The guidelines said: "School uniforms can reinforce gender norms, so schools may consider offering gender-neutral clothing choices when uniforms come up for review."
The deputy secretary for student achievement, Dr Graham Stoop, said the guide had been produced with the help of schools, education groups and professionals, and health experts.
"Research shows that when students feel their personal values are treated with respect by their peers and schools, they stay at school longer and achieve more."
Toni Duder, communications manager for lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual group Rainbow Youth, welcomed the guidelines.
"It's based on facts, members of the young trans community were consulted, and it's awesome that it includes real-life experiences. It's great to see some schools taking a proactive approach."
Post-Primary Teachers' Association head Angela Roberts said the guidelines represented a huge social change.
"My only concern is that it's going to be left just to hang there unless there's support for boards on how to have the conversation with their community," she said.
The principal of John Paul College, in Rotorua, Patrick Walsh, said his Catholic school was likely to adopt parts of the guidelines - around consent, for example. The college had had a lot of input from students and parents about uniforms "and [gender-neutral uniforms have] never been requested".
- By Kirsty Johnston of the New Zealand Herald
