School is a place where children go to learn, develop, shape themselves and grow into who they will become later in life. A place that is both safe and scary for most children during their teenage years. While teachers and teachers try to point their students towards bright futures and better choices, children simply try to fit in. However, for some students the happiness of blending together will never come. They face an internal struggle over their emotions and their relatability, or lack thereof, to people of the same gender. These students have what is called GID, gender identity disorder also known as gender nonconformity, gender confusion, gender fluid, gender versatile, or transgender. Sexual stereotypes begin at an early age. The media and society begin to push children into gender-appropriate activities and roles, despite the uncomfortable feelings the child may experience. The growing number of children dealing with gender issues that we see in the media and the inadequacy of the public school system in helping these students feel safe and cope with daily life in such a public environment are alarming. Sexual Stereotypes Humans are naturally social beings and we look to external sources to tell us how we should act to be accepted into society. These influences can come from one's community, church, parents, and school. Now, in this technology-driven age, media plays an increasingly important role in children's perception of the outside world. Children spend an increasing amount of time in front of the television every day. The image it presents to its impressionable audience provides the basis for what is and what is not acceptable in today's society. It also gives them a disto... middle of paper... they are not afraid, especially in a social context like school where the masses gather to learn. We should use this time to educate our children to embrace our differences and empower each child as an individual. This starts with small steps, first we need to educate our teachers and parents. Works Cited American Academy of Pediatrics. Healthy children. 2013. AAP. Web.Beasley, Elena. "Television roles and gender". 1997. Ed. Elena Beasley. Web.Breitmeyer, interview with Judy MA. Michelle Simmons. November 12, 2013. E-Mail.Fitzgibbons, Richard. Healing Children: Strengthening Families. 2005.IMH. Web.Pope, McKenna. Change.org. December 2012. Petition.The Associated Press. “American Schools Addressing Gender Identity.” May 17, 2013. Newsmax.com. Web.Trans Foundation for Youth Equality. Equality among trans youth. Ed. Pediatric endocrinologist. 2010. Network.