Renfrewshire Council rejects call to record bullying outside of school

Labour Councillor Carolann Davidson asked Renfrewshire Council to change the rules to ensure schools do record bullying which happens outside of school.

The particular children’s services policy states: “Incidents that happen away from school can still impact on the health and wellbeing of children and young people and they will require help and support at these times.

Councillor Carolann Davidson (left) with MSP Neil Bibby 

“Schools may also choose to record incidents (in line with this guidance) that they have been made aware of that are affecting a pupil or pupils.”

Councillor Davidson argued this should be changed to read, “Schools should record these incidents”, so as to not paint a “skewed” picture of the issue of bullying.

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However, Councillor Jim Paterson, convener of the children’s services and education board, rejected the elected member’s amendment after saying these incidents should be recorded “at the head teacher’s discretion”.

He said: “In consultation with parents we would record, so I’m not going to accept that amendment. Schools can consult with parents if they want that recorded.”

Councillor Jim Paterson rejected the amendment 

After it was seconded by Conservative Councillor Neill Graham, Councillor Davidson’s amendment went to a vote.

However, the amendment was voted down with 13 opting in favour of Councillor Paterson’s motion to preserve the original wording of the policy.

Chief education officer Steven Quinn spoke about the thought process behind the specific policy, explaining the difficulties social media poses in tackling bullying.

He also suggested bullying was best resolved when all involved parties come together to find a solution.

He said: “Although it is a fantastic resource, social media brings with it significant challenges in terms of bullying.

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“While schools will always try and mediate and bring parties together, that can only happen when there’s a willingness from both parties and parents to come together.

“Schools have no locus when something happens outside of school. They have no locus to forcibly get parents to engage in that process.”

When asked about whether bullying on school transport is the responsibility of the school, Mr Quinn responded: “While they are on the school bus, they are in the locus of the school. I see that as part of the school day.”