A year of relentless physical assaults at his primary school has left Lesley's eight-year-old son with lasting emotional scars. The boy was repeatedly kicked and thrown to the ground, yet instead of disciplinary action against his tormentors, he faced restrictions such as being unable to use the toilet alone or having to be collected from the school office.
Lesley believes that the 'inclusion policy,' widely adopted by educational institutions since the turn of the century, has inadvertently prioritised the rights of bullies over their victims. This approach focuses on emotional regulation and understanding a child's needs rather than immediate disciplinary measures. The shift in emphasis has coincided with a significant decrease in school exclusions: no permanent exclusions were recorded in the 2024/25 academic year, and suspensions have fallen by 75% over the past two decades.
Parents like Lesley argue that this policy has left victims vulnerable, suggesting that new anti-bullying laws would ensure a different outcome for their children. They are pushing for statutory requirements to be implemented across all local authorities, citing Scotland's 'Respect for All' policy as an example of what works in practice.
Lorraine Glass, director of Respect Me, Scotland's national anti-bullying service, acknowledges that existing guidance may not adequately address extreme violence between children. However, she maintains that exclusion remains a last resort and that local authorities should be legally obliged to adhere to the policy's guidance.
The EIS teaching union is concerned that new legislation could increase pressure on schools without addressing underlying issues. Assistant general secretary Stuart Brown warns of diverting resources from effective early intervention strategies, particularly in light of reduced staffing and increased numbers of pupils with Additional Support Needs. Yet campaigners like Ashley, whose seven-year-old son was confined indoors during playtimes to avoid a bully, remain resolute in their advocacy for a consistent, legally mandated approach to bullying.