SCOTTISH schools are being urged to clamp down on a shocking rise in racist bullying of European-born pupils since the 2016 Brexit vote.
Recent research has revealed a significant rise in xenophobic incidents following the UK's decision to leave the EU - particularly for pupils born in eastern European countries such as Poland, Hungary and Romania.
Now Scotland's national anti-bullying service Respectme is calling on teachers to recognise and deal with such incidents, as well as the distressing impact on pupils.
Respectme has produced new classroom resources, developed alongside experts from Strathclyde University and the University of the West of Scotland, which harness the negative experiences of EU pupils living in Scotland over the last few years.
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The resource asks teachers to explore the notion of empathy by exploring the experiences of the pupils.
The materials aim to challenge prejudice-based bullying amongst all pupils and improve understanding of the experiences of those from a migrant background.
Katie Ferguson, service director for Respectme, said: “The societal impacts of Brexit are being widely reported, but we shouldn’t overlook the discrimination and impacts experienced by our children.
"No young person should have to experience bullying because of their nationality or identity and we hope the resource can contribute to greater understanding and respect by helping to deconstruct some of the prejudice and misconceptions that can lead to bullying."
The new materials have been developed after research by Strathclyde University found EU pupils across Scotland had experienced a significant rise in racism and xenophobia, often dismissed as jokes or "banter".
More than three in four young people who took part said they had experienced xenophobia and racism while 50 per cent said they had seen more incidents since the Brexit vote.
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Dr Daniela Sime, a reader in education and social justice at Strathclyde University, said the study showed bullying experienced by EU nationals, many identifying as Scottish, was just as common in Scotland as elsewhere.
She said: "This is a hidden problem in our schools and youth settings, and one that we can categorically link back to the political unrest across the country.
“We have been working with Respectme to develop a new resource that addresses the behaviours that lead to bullying and hope there is widespread uptake of this among schools, youth leaders and even parents and carers."
The materials were welcomed by Gayle Gorman, chief executive of curriculum body Education Scotland, who said there was no place for bullying of any kind in schools.
She said: "Education Scotland always welcomes new resources that explore the reasons that can lead to this behaviour. By exploring the notion of empathy, this resource will be a valuable tool for our teachers in helping them to show pupils the value of accepting and embracing other cultures."
The pack was also welcomed by Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland teaching union, which has campaigned against bullying.
He said: "Any form of bullying in our schools is unacceptable, and it is deeply concerning that racism and xenophobia are on the rise. All young people have the right to learn in a safe and welcoming atmosphere, free from discrimination or abuse.
"We welcome all endeavours to tackle racism and have published a wide range of guidance and advice to support teachers to have positive conversations about diversity."
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Joanna Murphy, director of the National Parent Forum of Scotland, said all pupils should be welcome in schools.
She said: "This may have been a hidden problem before, but Brexit has stirred up too many insecurities which have no place in Scotland.
"There should be zero tolerance for bullying behaviour from one pupil to another, even if it is disguised as banter."
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