Teachers 'need more training' to tackle bullying in schools

Child - PA

Teachers need more training to tackle prejudice-based bullying in Scotland's schools, a group of MSPs has recommended.

The Scottish Parliament's Equalities and Human Rights Committee has made 29 recommendations ahead of the Scottish Government's forthcoming anti-bullying strategy.

The original strategy, 'Respect for All' was postponed in 2016 after the committee heard there was a lack of consistent data on how much bullying was going on because of prejudice, such as race, religion, gender or sexuality.

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The news strategy should measure progress with "strong data", the committee has said.

Other recommendations include embedding a preventative approach from early years with a focus on consent, healthy relationships and human rights.

The committee's convener Christina McKelvie said: “Over the last eight months, our Committee has been listening to the voices of our children and young people, and their advocates.

“We heard some gut-wrenching and heartbreaking stories. One stark reminder of the reality faced by far too many bullied young people is that 27 per cent of LGBT children have attempted suicide.

“But we have also heard of some inspiring and great practice going on around Scotland – and there are schools where bullying is now seen as not cool. We are trying to bottle that attitude change and roll it out across the whole country.”

The refreshed strategy, Respect for All, is expected to be published this year.