Concern over school violence incidents

Concerns have been raised about the number of violent incidents recorded in schools across the Forth Valley.

There have been 1703 in this academic year alone.

Data from a Freedom of Information request show more than 1513 of these were recorded in local primary schools.

Across Scotland, more than 13,800 instances have been recorded.

The Scottish Lib Dems are calling for "urgent" investment in provision.

MSP Willie Rennie said:      

“The footage from a Fife classroom of one young girl kicking another in the face will stay with me, probably forever. It’s deeply unsettling that similar instances are happening right across Scotland, particularly in primary schools.    

“Since returning after months of lockdown, staff are almost universally reporting a sharp increase in behavioural problems among pupils.    

“Scotland’s political and educational leadership is keeping tight-lipped about it all, but if the Scottish Government doesn’t address this now, it could quickly escalate into a national scandal.  

“We need a considered approach that gets straight to root cause of the violence. Scottish Liberal Democrats would give teachers and staff the resources, support and training to respond effectively and reduce violent incidents. We also need to invest far more in specialist provision, such as classroom assistants, education psychologists and specialist teachers.”