Swearing in Schools - CORRECTION

Recent headlines implied that Scottish Parent Teacher Council supported swearing in schools. We would like to take this opportunity to explain the truth behind the headline.

We were asked to comment on a pilot scheme which aims to tackle swearing by adopting a different approach; rather than reacting negatively to each case of swearing, the teachers will try to highlight swearing and give the youngsters a chance to correct their behaviour. Our reaction was that this was a pilot that was worth trying. We have subsequently learnt – and it is our fault that we did not find this out before commenting – that the school in question is a special school that deals with particularly difficult youngsters.

We certainly do not advocate pupils swearing in school and even the pilot - that we do support - is attempting to modify children’s behaviour, albeit by using a different approach.

Judith Gillespie
Development Manager