A new resource has been made available to help teachers and education staff across Scotland recognise, prevent and respond to hate crime and prejudice-based behaviour in schools.
Education Scotland’s Hate Crime and Prejudice-Based Behaviours resource is designed to improve understanding of prejudice and hate crime within education settings and give staff practical information on how to respond when incidents occur.
The resource forms part of the Inclusion, Wellbeing and Equalities Framework and also contributes to the Scottish Government’s Hate Crime Strategy.
It has been developed in collaboration with organisations including YouthLink Scotland, respectme, Scotland’s anti-bullying service, and the Hate Crime Strategic Partnership.
Recognising the early signs of prejudice
An important part of the resource focuses on helping education staff recognise the early signs of prejudice-based behaviour.
It aims to help teachers and other school staff understand:
- prejudice-based behaviours and hate crime in education settings
- how to identify early warning signs
- what to do when incidents occur
- how incidents can be reported
- how to support children and young people who have been affected
The resource also includes reflective questions to help practitioners consider how they can use what they have learned within their own school or education setting.
Helping schools prevent prejudice
As well as responding to incidents, Education Scotland has brought together resources that can help schools tackle prejudice before behaviours escalate.
These cover areas including positive relationships and behaviour, restorative approaches, understanding bias and inequality, diversity and religious literacy.
There are also resources designed to help teachers have conversations with children and young people about prejudice, stereotyping and diversity.
Tackling online hate
With children and young people spending an increasing amount of time online, the resource also signposts support for tackling online hate.
This includes professional learning designed to give educators knowledge and tools to address the impact of online hate within schools.
Bystander intervention resources are also highlighted, helping people understand how they may be able to respond safely when they witness prejudice or hate-related behaviour.
Misinformation and disinformation
The guidance also recognises the role that misinformation and disinformation can play in fuelling prejudice and division.
Education Scotland signposts teachers to resources covering fake news, misinformation and disinformation, including materials exploring how online rumours can develop and spread.
Supporting children and young people
A range of additional materials is included to help schools create inclusive environments and support children and young people.
These cover topics including active listening, managing conflict, co-regulation and de-escalation, trauma-informed approaches and understanding the impact of inequality.
The resource also directs schools towards organisations that support communities and individuals affected by hate crime.
Where can teachers find the resource?
The Hate Crime and Prejudice-Based Behaviours resource is available free through the Education Scotland website.
It brings together professional learning materials, guidance and links to organisations and resources that schools can use to improve understanding, prevent prejudice and respond appropriately when incidents occur.
