Humza Yousaf denies inaction on school violence after 53% rise in incidents

Humza Yousaf has denied his government is not taking enough action on school violence after figures revealed a 53.6% increase from pre-pandemic incidents.

Scotland’s First Minister said the Scottish Government was “absolutely concerned” at the rising levels of violence in schools across the country but said work was under way with local government umbrella body Cosla to develop further strategies.

The PA news agency analysed freedom of information figures which showed 97,372 reports of violence and aggression in Scotland’s schools between 2018-19 and 2022-23, including a further 23,010 logged in the current school year up to March 2024.

In the last full school year, 29,180 incidents were recorded by schools, up 53.6% from the 18,993 in 2018-19, the last full year before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The figures could also be higher, with five local authorities, including Scotland’s largest – Glasgow City – failing to provide the data.

A breakdown of the figures showed the vast majority of incidents were pupil violence against teachers and school staff, with local authorities including incidents such as physical and verbal aggression, throwing objects, sexual harassment and damage to property.

Asked about the figures during a visit to NHS Fife’s National Treatment Centre in Kirkcaldy, the First Minister said: “Of course we’re concerned – we are absolutely concerned – about the rise in violence in schools.”

Responding to opposition claims that action is not coming fast enough, Mr Yousaf told PA: “I would disagree with that.

“The Education Secretary has held a number of summits, met with trade unions, met with teaching staff, and others in relation to how we can deal with this issue.

“In terms of action we’ve taken, as well as the summits, of course there has been the launch of the tackling gender-based violence in schools framework, as well as of course additional funding for training for new support staff.

“But of course, we are working with Cosla, ultimately, who have responsibility for education locally to develop that joint action plan to tackle what we’re seeing is that worrying rise in violence in schools that has been reported across the country.”

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth held the first emergency summit on school violence in September 2023.

The NASUWT teaching union said school staff were putting their safety and careers on the line due to the delay in publishing guidance on restraining pupils during attacks.

Scottish Labour education spokeswoman Pam Duncan-Glancy said the “shocking rise” in school violence “demands urgent action from the SNP”.

She added: “Teachers, school staff and families have been sounding the alarm on this issue but the government hasn’t been listening.”

Liam Kerr, education spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives, said: “This crisis cannot be allowed to escalate further. SNP ministers must stop dithering and take real action to protect pupils and teachers from violence in our schools.”