Racist and gender based bullying on the rise in Scottish schools

Racist and gender-based bullying is on the increase in Scotland's schools, according an inquiry by the Scottish Parliament's Equalities and Human Rights Committee.

MSPs have urged the Scottish Government to do more to tackle the growing problem. The committee has made 29 recommendations for the government’s forthcoming anti-bullying strategy, including research to understand the extent and nature of bullying, mandatory recording of incidents and more training for teachers.

The government and councils are also urged to ensure that consent and healthy relationships are taught from the beginning of primary school.

Christina McKelvie, MSP for the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse constituency, said: "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.

"We have also heard of some inspiring 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."