There is more support for conversations and learning together about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the Talking About FGM (13-, 14- and 15-year-olds) and Talking About FGM (16-, 17- and 18-year-olds).
If you have concerns about a girl being at risk of FGM you should find a trusted adult to speak to at your child’s school or talk to your GP. If a child is in immediate danger phone 999. Remember that FGM is illegal in Scotland and is considered a form of child abuse.
3, 4 and 5-year-olds
Children of this age are unlikely to ask this question.
6, 7 and 8-year-olds
9 and 10-year-olds
Children of this age are unlikely to ask this question. However, if they do it may be because they have heard discussion amongst peers, siblings, at home or in the community. Interest in their question can be explored gently, so as not to make the child worried or feel they have done or said something wrong. You could start with: Let’s talk about that for a minute… Can you tell me what you know about that already? Okay, could you tell me where you heard that? If the question is based in straightforward curiosity, elements of the response for older children below could be considered by way of an explanation. If this is an expression of worry for another child, please contact a trusted adult at your child’s school. If a child is in immediate danger phone 999.
11 and 12 year-olds
13, 14 and 15 year-olds
16, 17 and 18 year-olds
FGM stands for Female Genital Mutilation. FGM for girls means cutting a girl’s genitals (private parts) so they are removed or altered in different ways. Girls can feel pressured or forced to have FGM, especially if other people in the family have been cut. It is a painful and dangerous procedure.
FGM is illegal in Scotland and is considered a form of child abuse. Women and men all over the world are campaigning to stop FGM.
If you are worried you might be forced to have FGM in the future, or if you are worried about a friend, we can talk more or you can talk to another adult you trust, such as a teacher at school, or a doctor. I would say to every girl, and this is important, if you think you are in immediate danger of being cut or being taken abroad for this to happen, you can call the police (dial 999).
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