Violence in school increased

By Sam Mcgonigle

4,193 schools in Scotland report violent incidents every week (GettyImages)

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) published a report which highlighted that 83% of schools in Scotland report instances of violence and aggression every single week. That is 4,193 schools reporting violent incidents every week. Teachers in Aberdeen are on record stating that they were ''traumatised and scared to go to work'' over the rise of pupil violence. They were also quoted saying that some schools are ''completely lawless. The consensus of headteachers, class teachers and support staff was that there had been a general deterioration in pupils' behaviour in Scotland since 2016. Notably, there was a significant increase in disruptive severe behaviours such as verbal abuse, physical aggression, and violence. All of these were frequently occurring, with verbal abuse being experienced by 65% of staff every week. The only severe disruptive behaviours that have remained low and essentially unchanged since 2016 in primary and secondary schools are reported instances of abuse towards staff, including racist, homophobic/biphobic/transphobic, and religious abuse and abuse related to disability.

New College Lanarkshire (NCL) lecturer Ann McGonigle said, "It does not surprise me. Many students and pupils need some support before they start high school, but often, it gets missed, which can create problems on how best to support someone. This can result in the pupil acting up. There are many factors, but lack of information and the sizing of classes are the main ones I have experienced."

Leanne Hogg, a 38-year-old mother from Coatbridge, said: "I think the education system put in place by the government and lack of resources from the healthcare system are to blame. To lower the cases, the government need to put better resources in place for mental health, and they also need to make the educational system better suited to those with diverse needs."