A pupil asked me this at school today...

[ItWasnaMeGuv]

"I support the Palestinians against the genocidal Israelies. What side are you on Palestinian or Israel?" I am a support assistant who helps in the playground where this happened. I have never, in 25 years doing this job, been asked such a personal question. I replied "well, that is a very personal question." Then changed the subject. Child is P6 (Scotland) or (Y5 England/Wales).

My son of the same age asked me this a few weeks ago. I told him we shouldn't be 'picking sides' in a conflict that we have little understanding or involvement with, and suggested that he should find out more about what's actually going on instead of this daft 'pick a side' nonsense, as if it's something trivial.

Do the kids watch Newsround at your school? Or have access to age appropriate news stories. Maybe suggest to the class teacher that they might benefit from gaining a better understanding of the conflict.

Kids of that age are curious. It's prime "what does (that word) mean, mum?" time. So yes, it's a word heard on the news often at the moment, so I imagine that a fair few 11 year olds know what it means.

I told him we shouldn't be 'picking sides' in a conflict that we have little understanding or involvement with

I think that's a great answer. But when put on the spot with no warning, I doubt that my brain would work quickly enough to come up with it.
I am going to save that for when grown adults come out with random opinions about stuff they know nothing about though!

They don't need to understand something to parrot it.

Exactly. The child did nothing wrong, they asked a question about your opinion on something in the news. They might well ask you who you will be voting for in the next election. My ds would probably have asked you at that age, he’s always been interested in current affairs.

You don’t have to answer, but don’t act all shocked and offended by it!

If you support a certain team people can imply your politicial view/religion

I think it is a personal question, your political beliefs are personal and say a lot about your personality, values, outlook etc

Political * I can't edit as using my phone

The child is too young to understand what they're saying and the issue. Your response was fine.

I wouldn't have answered at all. In all my years of teaching, no child ever asked my personal opinion on anything - it's none of their business what I think.

A child saying something controversial for a bit of attention and control can't be that unusual, can it especially around 10 years old?

Surely the subject matter is a bit of red herring here?

I find that so strange. Are you secondary?

No I taught primary. Why is that strange?

I’ve never heard of that. Lived in London in a racially mixed area.

I’d have answered that it’s very complicated and both sides are at fault.

I taught in primary school for years and often had chats with children about all manner of things at their instigation. I wouldn’t find it inappropriate for children to ask questions.
I wouldn’t give my personal opinion in response but I never shut them down. I saw these as great opportunities to talk about news, sources, why we might respond in certain ways, consider what the impact of our words can be and how we can express disagreement well.

Really? I taught for 10 years and had virtually daily chats with my children about their lives and things they’d heard in the community or on the news.

Because the kids I work with ask me everything and anything. I don't always answer of course, but it prompts some great talks sometimes.

@ItWasnaMeGuv this is totally my understanding too.
I don't want my pupils knowing personal information about my beliefs and opinions.

Kids have no filter, they say what comes into their heads though, at his age, they are usually beginning to learn about not asking personal questions.

You answered him correctly.

It is parroting. I had a Pakistani muslim colleague who has nothing to do with the conflict but would post the Palestinian flag. People go together in religions, skin colour or any other kind of block formation, even though might have nothing to do with them