​Children In Scotland study into bullying and harassment in schools

Children are being bullied in Scottish schools for their appearance, sexuality and for having additional support needs, an investigation has found.

A report by Children In Scotland exposes the pressures young people come under every day.

The study, Children’s and Young People’s Voices and Experiences of Bullying and Harassment in Schools, is part of evidence being discussed at the Scottish Parliament’s equalities & human rights committee.

It identifies protective factors such as good relationships, peer support and strong participation mechanisms to ensure children and young people are listened to.

An overview of existing research, it draws on the voices of children and young people who have experienced bullying at school and adults who work with them.

One child told researchers: “They call me fatty and chubby, and push and pull me around. I have not eaten much since it started a few weeks ago. I feel like I need to change so I have put myself on a diet. I want to lose weight so they stop bullying me.”

Another said: “I just want to have someone to help me. Mummy goes to meetings to try to get me more help but they don’t do anything. It is making me sad and I feel like I am bad at school ... I am in P2 now and I don’t want to go to school anymore.”

Further factors identified as reasons for children and young people experiencing bullying were: race and faith, with the report citing 981 counselling sessions on the topic delivered by the NSPCC across the UK in 2016.

The transition from primary to secondary school was also a factor.

Children in Scotland’s head of policy Amy Woodhouse said: “Our report finds that sadly bullying and harassment remains a huge issue for children and young people in Scotland, with far-reaching and often devastating impacts.

“Concerted effort is required within families, schools, communities and at societal level to substantially strengthen the support mechanisms that are already available to children and young people.

“But we must also ensure we are listening to and collaborating with children through ongoing meaningful participation to identify mechanisms that would help but are not yet in place.”

The report makes a number of recommendations about what would reduce instances of bullying and harassment in schools.

These include emphasising preventing bullying as opposed to tackling it, starting with a child rights approach throughout education, health and public services and recognising that gaming is often a pathway for young people to be bullied, but also is seen as a key support mechanism

The report suggests that positive relationships, often with one trusted adult, and built on a foundation of human rights, can mitigate bullying and harassment.