4. To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of the role of social media in encouraging violence towards pupils and teachers in schools. (S6F-02169)

Violence is never acceptable. The safety of pupils and staff in our schools is of paramount importance to the Government, and I am deeply concerned about the violent content involving bullying and violent attacks in schools and on public transport, and in other places where young people gather, that has been posted online.

Westminster’s Online Safety Bill could be a means to ensure that social media companies take seriously their responsibility to contain violent content. On 9 May, I wrote to the United Kingdom Government to urge it to use the bill to tackle that very issue.

We have produced guidance for local authorities and schools to promote positive relationships and to manage behaviours, including through the de-escalation of violent behaviour. As the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills announced yesterday, she will, in the coming weeks, convene a summit that will focus on tackling violence in schools.

The widespread use of apps such as TikTok and Instagram means that violence is broadcast beyond playground walls, with staff left vulnerable in ways that they have not been previously. As the First Minister said, however, the Scottish Government is limited in its powers with regard to online activity. Will the Scottish Government implore the UK Government to call on social media companies to improve their standards and sanctions when it comes to removing material that promotes violence?

The First Minister:

I am happy to work as constructively as we can with the UK Government on that matter. I think that all of us in the chamber probably conclude, rightly, that social media companies can do a lot more when it comes to violent and hateful content, of which members in the chamber have, unfortunately, been the subject for many years.

Although the regulatory responsibility for social media lies with the United Kingdom Government, I am clear that providers have a responsibility to enforce their own policies on harmful online content. We will also reflect on what more we can do. Even though we do not have the regulatory powers to take direct action, we can perhaps engage with social media companies at a ministerial level to see what more pressure we can apply so that they live up to their own policies on harmful online content.

Yesterday, the First Minister’s Government finally accepted the call of the Scottish Conservatives for urgent action on violence and disruptive behaviour in schools, and the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills finally agreed that urgent action—not more talk—is needed to support Scotland’s teachers and pupils. Therefore, will the First Minister make a commitment today that an action plan to tackle violence and disruption in schools will be in place for the start of the new school year in August?

The First Minister:

Although this is, of course, an important issue and it is right that Stephen Kerr raises it, I regret that he has attempted to turn it into a political point.

I have said clearly in my response that, although the powers in relation to online content lie with the UK Government, I am willing to work constructively with it.

I think that everyone here, regardless of our political persuasion and whether they are a parent or not, absolutely understands the hurt, harm and anxiety caused to young people and, indeed, staff. There is no hesitancy or reticence from the Scottish Government in relation to being as constructive and proactive as we can. That is why, on top of the guidance that we have already issued, we provided £2 million of funding to support violence prevention and other such activity within schools and communities.

As Stephen Kerr already knows, we are gathering evidence that will help us to better understand the extent of violence and poor behaviour at a national level across schools in Scotland. That started in February, and I will certainly reflect on what more we can do collectively before the school term starts.