Tories call for action on school violence ‘scandal’

The Scottish Tories will use a Holyrood debate this week to call on government ministers to create a “comprehensive plan” to tackle violence in schools.

Concerns have been raised in recent months after a number of videos circulated on social media showing violent outbursts from pupils.

Teachers and staff in Scotland’s schools faced more than 22,000 attacks in 2021-22, a report from the Sunday Mail in December said.

Speaking before the Tory debate tomorrow, the party’s education spokesman Stephen Kerr said: “The escalation of violent incidents in schools in recent years is nothing short of a national scandal.

“The SNP have taken their eye off the ball on this issue and violent incidents have soared as a result.

“The Scottish Conservatives are using our party business tomorrow to urge ministers to produce a comprehensive plan to address this crisis of violence which has become endemic in our schools.

“We will urge the setting up of a school violence working group as well as a review of current exclusion policies would be positive steps forward to get on top of this serious issue.

“Ministers must also provide parents and schools with guidance, materials and support that would assist them in promoting acceptable behaviour and tackling disruption.

“If education really is the SNP’s number one priority, then they will back the calls made by the Scottish Conservatives during our debate to ensure that everyone in our schools is free from the risk of their learning being disrupted by violence.”

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth last week told the NASUWT teaching union conference in Aberdeen that youngsters are “struggling” in the wake of the pandemic and the cost-ofliving crisis.

“The graphic videos that we’ve seen in the press in recent times... are completely unacceptable,” she told delegates.

“But we need to recognise that our schools are dealing with real challenges at the current time.

“There is no place for that type of behaviour in our schools.

“I think it’s also true today that our young folk are struggling.”

Ms Gilruth said there had been a “huge increase” in young people with additional support needs, adding: “I want to work with you on how we can better support staff wellbeing but also meet the needs of our pupils.

“And when behaviour is challenging, I expect there to be policies in place in every school in Scotland to help support our pupils and support you, our staff.”

The graphic videos we’ve seen in the press in recent times... are completely unacceptable