UK - NHS bosses have warned nursery staff against referring to ‘boys and girls’ – saying ‘gendered’ language can lead to violence or murder. The guidelines from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are part of a pilot project aimed at creating ‘gender friendly nurseries’. Nursery staff are trained in matters that might lead to gender stereotypes, including how to talk to children and how to avoid ‘unintentional segregation’. A report on it by the Scottish NHS authority states: ‘During the training, we will explore how attitudes and language are part of a sliding scale of violence that can result in physical violence and murder.’ However, last night Piers Shepherd of the Family Education Trust criticised the move, saying: ‘Parts of this have a very authoritarian tone such as challenging parents if they use the wrong terms. Talking about violence ending in murder is very extreme. There seems to be a thought-policing attitude.’