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Closed petition PE2051: Improve the processes for protecting children and young people from traumatic incidents at school
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to:
establish a consistent and transparent reporting mechanism for incidents affecting the health of pupils in schools;
review and improve upon the existing guidelines for schools in dealing with at-risk pupils;
place in law monitoring of reporting mechanisms with ultimate responsibility being placed with Scottish Ministers and local authorities; and
reform the exclusions procedure to include consideration of whether exclusions may cause further harm.
Previous action taken
Now living in North East Scotland, I contacted my constituency MSP Alexander Burnett to discuss issues around school bullying and violence against children and young people. Mr Burnett and his office have been supporting me in gathering information about under-reporting, based on incidents reported through casework.
Background information
I was 14 years old when I attempted to take my own life on school grounds. Despite the teachers becoming aware no medical help was sought and no support was given to me by the school. I was left sitting in a classroom cupboard for the day.
After being discharged from hospital I was told that I was 'unofficially excluded' for a few days to 'get myself together'. The school chose to conceal the incident and asked me not to speak about it.
I have spent 20 years trying to come to terms with the incident and have experienced distressing mental repercussions as a result
More recently, I read an article about other unreported incidents at my former school and concluded that it was time to campaign to bring change and create a safe environment for our children and future generations.
This petition was considered by the Scottish Parliament
177 signatures