Over-assessment contributes to rise in self-harm, SSTA says

The Scottish Secondary Teacher’s Association (SSTA) has called for a review of ‘unrelenting internal assessments’, which pupils face, claiming the practice could be linked to rising rates of self-harm among teenagers.

Seamus Searson, general secretary of the SSTA said he was ‘extremely concerned as to the potential damage’ over-assessment could cause to young people.

Searson said: “The causes of self-harm are wide and varied. But equally, we have to accept that school, the curriculum, and the unrelenting internal assessment of our 15- and 16-year-olds between January and April is a contributing factor to pupil stress and can damage pupil welfare.”

The teaching union agreed that a typical S4 pupil (aged 14-15) could face up to 24 assessments or assignments, the majority taking place between January and April.

Figures show that in 2015, 563 under-18s were admitted to hospital for self-harm in Scotland, with Childline Scotland reporting that counselling sessions with 12-15 year olds on self harm had increased by 20 per cent in the past year.

However, a spokesperson for the Scottish government, said: “We are not aware of any evidence to support a link between any suggested rise in self-harm and exam stress. There is a range of mental wellbeing support available for young people in schools and it is for local authorities and schools to decide on the best approaches.

“All schools should gather evidence about any mental health issues facing young people and take steps to provide the right support.”