Teachers are being “dissuaded” from reporting violent incidents because of a “culture of fear” about the impact it will have on a school’s reputation, MSPs have heard.
Trade union representatives claimed head teachers and local authorities feel under “pressure” not to report the true scale of the problem.
They called for a culture change and greater “transparency” while giving evidence during a special meeting of the Scottish Parliament’s education committee on violence in schools.
The hearing was held amid growing concerns about the issue in the wake of a series of high-profile incidents.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has announced plans to hold a special summit to discuss the crisis.
