BULLYING is the top concern for parents ahead of Scottish schools going back this week, according to research by a children’s charity.
Almost one in five parents chose bullying as their key worry, while pupils’ mental wellbeing, the cost of uniforms and getting children back into the school routine also ranked highly, Action for Children Scotland found.
The findings were drawn from a poll of 1000 parents of five- to 16-year-olds who will be going to school this August.
Just more than 18 per cent chose bullying as their biggest concern, while almost 10 per cent opted for mental health and wellbeing.
More than 14 per cent of those surveyed were most concerned about the cost of new school uniforms, while 16.6 per cent were most worried about switching back into the school routine.
About nine per cent were most concerned about the transition from one school year to another, or from primary to secondary.
The parents, who were questioned by pollster One Poll between July 31 and August 9, were also asked about the factors that would make the biggest difference to pupils’ school experience.
Almost 16 per cent chose one-to-one support, 18 per cent chose peer mentoring, while 19 per cent said after-school clubs would make the biggest difference.
Action for Children Scotland said the survey results highlighted the need for parents to talk to their children regularly, monitor use of social media and schedule family time when young people and children are more likely to open up about their problems.
Paul Carberry, director of the charity, said: “We want starting the new school year to be a positive, exciting time for children and their parents.
“Our staff are on hand to provide practical and emotional support to help with the transition back to school, recognising the range of challenges that some families face. This includes bringing parents and teachers together to resolve difficulties jointly and at an early stage.”
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