Schools must treat incidents of online harassment or cyberbullying with “the same level of seriousness” as bullying that takes place in person, according to new Scottish Government guidance.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth made clear there was “room for improvement” in tackling bullying in Scottish schools following the publication.

She spoke of “challenges” with how harassment is recorded, saying incidents involving such behavior are “often under-reported”.

She said the Scottish Government’s “clear expectation” is that “all reports of bullying are recorded” – although she admitted “more rigorous recording” would “probably” lead to higher numbers of incidents in official data.

But Ms Gilruth said such a stance “demonstrates a commitment to transparency and ensures that every allegation of bullying is taken seriously”.

She spoke as guidance was issued saying public schools must treat incidents of online harassment or cyberbullying with “the same level of seriousness” as harassment that takes place in person.

Noting that an inspection by Education Scotland had “highlighted some challenges in the implementation of previous guidance”, Ms Gilruth said: “I am clear that there is still room for improvement. »

The Respect for All guidelines are published after a census of Scottish schools in 2021-22 revealed that almost a third (31%) of pupils in P5 to S3 had experienced bullying in the last year .

According to the study, 82% of young people reported being bullied at school, while 36% were bullied online.

The new guidance – published as part of Anti-Bullying Week 2024 – describes online cyberbullying as a “significant concern affecting children and young people in Scotland”, highlighting how social media, messaging platforms and forums games can all be used to “bully”. , isolate or humiliate individuals.”

He stresses that the problem should not be treated as a “technological problem to be solved”, clearly stating: “Online harassment should be seen as linked to the location where the harassment occurs, rather than as a different type of behavior.” »

It adds: “Online harassment can be as damaging as offline harassment and can have more serious consequences due to the digital footprint, enduring presence, group dynamics and potential for illegality.

“Online harassment must therefore be treated with the same level of seriousness as any other form of offline harassment. »

Speaking during a visit to Cowie Primary School in Stirling, Ms Gilruth said: “Bullying of any kind is never acceptable and can have a lasting impact on a child’s life. child or young person.

“It is essential that incidents of bullying, both online and offline, are dealt with quickly and robustly. »

Adding that the new guidance “focuses on prevention, response and inclusion”, the Education Secretary said it “also reflects the pressures facing young people, including the increase in use of social media.

Lorraine Glass, director of anti-bullying service respectme, welcomed the “vital guidance” and added: “We look forward to working with colleagues across Scotland to further embed the policy and practice needed for safety and security. well-being of all children and young people. .

“This week more than 700 schools from across Scotland’s local authorities took part in our annual campaign about what ‘respect’ means to them.

“It has been a phenomenal response and a testament to the commitment and energy of teachers, parents and educators to bring safety and happiness to young people. »

Commenting on the release of the guidelines, EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said: “Bullying is never acceptable in any area of ​​life, and this is especially the case in our schools , who strive to provide a welcoming, nurturing and safe environment for children and children. young people from all backgrounds.

“Most schools across the country will already have their own guidance in place and the EIS would expect, in the context of an empowered school, that schools, parents, teachers and pupils are all involved in the development of the policy – ​​to ensure that there is full ownership of the anti-harassment approach which will be adopted school-wide.

However, Ms Bradley added: “The guidelines aim to bring about a consistent approach to tackling bullying across Scotland, for example in the recording and reporting of incidents, including those which are based on bias . However, this will have resource implications for schools. Teachers are already massively overburdened by their existing workload, working on average more than 11 hours over their contracted hours each week. Therefore, to effectively implement the guidance, additional resources will be required to give teachers and school staff time to record and report as outlined in the report.

“There must also be the necessary resources to ensure that appropriate interventions can be put in place to address the underlying cause of bullying behavior, which can often be complex, and to ensure that there is support adequate for those who have been victims. of intimidation.

Ms Bradley added: “The most important step that can be taken to help tackle bullying in our schools and implement the early intervention and prevention strategies rightly called for in the guidance is to deployment of additional staff, including the delivery of Scottish Government schemes. the clear commitment to recruit 3,500 additional teachers during this parliamentary term to ensure that children and young people can benefit from smaller class sizes and more individual support.

“In an education system where schools are still struggling to overcome the many impacts of the pandemic on young people, more resources and more staff are needed to combat issues such as bullying, no matter where it occurs and whatever the form. It is in the interests of all young people, and of Scottish society, that issues as complex as bullying are dealt with appropriately. »

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