MSP raises bullying concerns with first minister following shocking videos of violent Highland school children

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was asked what the government is doing to tackle school bullies.

Multiple videos have emerged from the Highlands recently, showing victims being attacked outwith the school grounds.

This causes problems for schools as they are not responsible for what happens to pupils outwith the grounds.

But Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant believes it is a “societal” problem that “needs to be addressed”.

At First Minister’s Questions, she asked what the government and police are doing to protect children from school bullying outside the grounds.

Collective responsibility

Ms Sturgeon acknowledged Mrs Grant’s concerns, and said there was a collective responsibility for tackling bullying off school grounds from the police and from national and local governments.

She stressed that “all adults and communities” have a responsibility and a role to ensure all children are cared for and safeguarded.

Mrs Grant’s question comes after a number of videos were shared on social media.

In January, Lochaber High School in Fort William was the scene of a 13-year-old boy being lured into a field and attacked by a gang of young teenagers.

A number of others are said to have filmed the shocking scenes on their phones, which showed the boy on the ground receiving several kicks to the body by two other boys.

Police say two male teenagers, aged 14 and 13, were reported to the youth justice authorities.

In December, a video was seen on social media of a girl having her hair held down while she is punched and kicked by a number of youths.

The clip then shows another girl stepping in to help the victim, but the culprits – who are in school uniform – then turn on her too.

The Daily Record reported the second girl needed a brain scan afterward.

‘Attacks are planned and recorded’

Speaking after FMQs, Mrs Grant MSP said: “The first minister is correct in stating that this is a societal problem and it is one that needs to be addressed.

“Children now face bullies on and off school grounds. Whether that be outside school, on the way to school or on social media.

“These attacks are preplanned in that they are recorded from before the start of the attack yet local authorities and police seem unable to provide solutions leaving child victims without protection.”

In a January statement, a Highland Council spokeswoman said they take all complaints about bullying “very seriously” and follow national policy on dealing with incidents.