The bizarre rise of woke kids’ books

spiked: Why do you think adults are increasingly foisting politics on children?

Doyle: From a strategic point of view, it makes complete sense. I’ve always felt that adult autonomy depends on effective socialisation in childhood. This means teaching them a core body of knowledge, but also how to think critically. The idea of critical thinking and reasoned debate is anathema to this cult of social justice, because, once scrutinised, their ideas quickly collapse. So if they can get hold of children’s minds at a young age, it’ll be difficult for others to deradicalise them.

I imagine a lot of it is also well-intentioned. Many of these activists genuinely think they are improving society, while at the same time fostering division, resentment and rehabilitating a new form of racism. That’s what is so tragic about the whole thing. I’m certain that the authors of Who Are You? The Kid’s Guide to Gender Identity, which is aimed at kids aged three and over, sincerely believe that children should be told that there are infinite genders. They see no contradiction in telling children that gender is socially constructed and yet is simultaneously the most important aspect of their existence. It’s really a terrible idea to teach children unproven and shoddy niche academic theories as if they are incontestable truths. More than anything, it’s just poor educational practice.