Children as young as four can be referred to by their preferred gender pronouns and names in schools without their parent’s knowledge, according to a new guideline for teachers in Scotland. The 70-page guidance, published on Thursday for Scottish schools, said children of “any age” can “come out” as transgender people. Teachers are told not to say “it’s just a phase” when approached by kids who want to “discuss their gender identity.” They are also told to ask the kids what names and pronouns should be used to address them, and to “check if that’s all the time or in certain circumstances.” The guidance also said teachers should ask the kids if and with whom they can share the information. Schools are told if children want to change their names, they can “simply choose to tell others informally,” and schools can update the school records using a “Known As” box. However, children …