‘Inconsistent’ policy varies by school

A MUM has launched a petition calling for the Scottish Government to make anti-bullying action a legal requirement in schools.

- BY JENNIFER HYLAND

The mum, identified as Ashley, whose seven-year-old son has been targeted by bullies, wants nationally agreed procedures in place to protect children.

Ashley, 30, of Ayrshire, was horrified to discover that in Scotland there is not a single, statutory anti-bullying policy and instead each school is encouraged to follow government guidance without any legal duty to do so.

Schools are supported by the non-statutory "Respect for All" national approach, which provides guidance on how to address bullying, including prejudice-based bullying.

But Ashley believes only being encouraged to follow guidance means responses across schools are inconsistent and many families are left without proper support.