Violent incidents in schools more than doubled since last election – Labour

Violent incidents recorded in Scotland’s schools have more than doubled since the last Holyrood election, figures obtained by Scottish Labour have shown.

Since 2021-22, the number of violent incidents recorded in secondary schools soared by 182% from 2,413 to 6,809.

Violence in primary schools has surged by 113% in the same time, from 12,075 to 25,770.

The figures were obtained by Scottish Labour through a series of freedom of information requests to councils.

They show the number of violent incidents recorded in secondary schools is now more than four times higher than pre-pandemic levels while the number of incidents in primary schools has nearly tripled.

In 2019-20, there were 1,668 incidents in secondary schools and 9,316 in primary schools.

Scottish Labour accused First Minister John Swinney of “sitting on his hands” – despite school violence reaching “crisis point”.

The party said it would crack down on violence if it won the next election by banning mobile phones in classrooms and increasing the number of school police officers.

Paul O’Kane, the party’s education spokesman, said: “John Swinney sat on his hands while violence in Scotland’s schools reached crisis point.

“Even in primary schools, violence is far too common – causing chaos for kids and putting pressure on teachers.

“Scottish Labour will fix the SNP’s mess and tackle this crisis at last.

“We will provide the leadership that has been sorely missing under the SNP and provide schools and teachers with the backing they need to crack down on violence and bullying.

“From banning phones in classrooms to boosting the number of campus cops, we will make schools safe places to learn and give kids the education they deserve.

“In May we have a chance to get rid of this failing SNP government and elect a Scottish Labour government that will get the basics right.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “There is no place for violence in Scotland’s schools. Our schools should be safe and consistent learning environments for staff and pupils alike.

“Research shows that most pupils are well behaved. We have been working with partners, including Cosla and teaching unions, to implement the relationships and behaviour in schools action plan to address the current challenges.

“Last year, as part of this action plan, we published new guidance for schools on consequences, developed in collaboration with headteachers, teaching unions and local authorities.

“The second annual progress report on delivery of the action plan shows that good progress is being made to deliver all 20 actions within the plan.”