“It has been a long road to this milestone”

Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, said: “My office fully supports the Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill, published by Daniel Johnson MSP. The Bill introduces legally enforceable guidelines on physical restraint and use of seclusion of children in educational settings, along with mandatory recording and reporting of all incidents.  

“Children have the right to protection from all forms of abuse or harm, in all aspects of their lives. They have a right to dignity, to bodily integrity, and to be protected from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. Restraint is traumatic for the child experiencing it, and can also be traumatic for the staff carrying out the restraint. It’s distressing and can have long-term effects.  

“It has been a long road to this significant milestone. That road has been paved by the commitment and tenacity of parents and carers who have campaigned for many years to seek this protection for all children. I commend Daniel Johnson MSP’s leadership and dedication in championing this Member’s Bill.  

“My office published its investigation into restraint and seclusion in 2018, yet seven years later, children are still without the protections of a coherent statutory framework on the use of restraint. This Bill will address this gap when children are in school.  

“I strongly urge the Scottish Government to support the principles of this much-needed Bill. I also urge the Government, once again, to legislate for equivalent protection in all settings where children are in care of the State, including mental health provision and in secure and residential care. Scotland’s children must have their right to protection from all forms of harm upheld in all places where the State cares for them.”