Children's rights are being ignored
A manifesto calling for the restriction of restraint and seclusion of children in schools has been launched.
The Restraint Reduction Network, along with charities and organisations promoting children’s rights in Scotland, are urging Scottish political parties to commit to protecting children from the harmful and unregulated use of restraint and seclusion in schools ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election.
The briefing, Restraint and Seclusion in Scottish Schools: A Call to Action for Children’s Rights, sets out urgent reforms needed to uphold children’s rights to safety, dignity, and inclusion in education, particularly for those with additional support needs.
Despite years of evidence, Scotland still lacks a statutory framework on the use of restraint and seclusion in schools.
The call comes at a critical time, as the Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill, introduced by Daniel Johnson MSP, moves through stage 2 in the Scottish Parliament. While the Bill represents a significant step forward, the briefing stresses the need for cross-party support and strong manifesto commitments to ensure it is passed, strengthened, and properly implemented.
RRN co-chairs David O’Brien and Bengi O’Rielly said: “Rights-based statutory guidance is essential to protect children in schools from harmful restrictive practices. Most children have a safe and supportive experience of school.
“However, for too many children, especially those with additional support needs, the experience of restraint and seclusion remains all too common, causing trauma, distress, and injury. Without clear guidance, educators are left to navigate this complex issue alone which can also be distressing and traumatic for them too.
“This is a rare opportunity for Scotland’s political leaders to demonstrate a willingness to tackle the important issue of restrictive practice use in schools head on by demonstrating strong leadership to close a long-standing gap.
“This will benefit education staff and ensure children are safe, respected, and supported in school. We urge all parties to commit to enacting meaningful statutory guidance on restraint and seclusion in schools.”
RRN Trustee, parent of a child with additional support needs and Calum’s Law Campaigner Beth Morrison said: “This manifesto ask is not just about policy—it’s about protecting children like Calum, and so many others whose stories have been ignored for too long. Restraint and seclusion are not abstract issues. They are real harms, happening in real classrooms, to children who deserve safety, dignity, and respect.
“We need every political party in Scotland to stand up and say: no more. Calum’s Law must be passed, strengthened, and implemented with urgency. Our children cannot wait”
The briefing draws on many years of evidence, including reports by the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, Enable Scotland, the Challenging Behaviour Foundation, and the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.
Parties are now being asked to include these commitments in their 2026 manifestos, marking a clear stance on protecting children’s rights and ensuring inclusive, safe learning environments for all.
