THE introduction of free bus travel for young people has contributed to an increase in schools receiving unwelcome visits from other youngsters, a county headteacher has acknowledged.
Occasional confrontations between pupils from neighbouring schools is, of course, not a new phenomenon but, since free bus travel for under-22s was introduced by the Scottish Government at the start of last year, teenagers intent on causing trouble are casting their net further afield.
The Courier has learnt that pupils from county high schools sometimes travel to another school and, for their own amusement, attempt to gain access to that school and 'blend in' with other pupils at break and lunch times.
READ MORE: The Brunton, Loch Centre and Preston Lodge 'will not be lost'
On other occasions, young people who have fall-outs with other youngsters from other towns, usually on social media platforms, are using their free bus passes to travel longer distances to confront the other party at their school.
One such incident took place last Friday, at about 8.45am, when a group of youths from outwith the area caused a "disturbance" at Preston Lodge High School, Prestonpans.
Police officers attended amid reports of anti-social behaviour and the youths were traced shortly after.
It had been claimed that the youths wanted to confront an S2 pupil at the school.
Various rumours about the incident had spread online, including incorrect claims that the visiting youngsters had knives, which led headteacher Gavin Clark to email parents.
He said in his message: "A number of students and families are aware of an incident in school this morning, and may have been alarmed by the social media descriptions of that incident, which were almost all incorrect.
"Post-Covid, and since the introduction of free bus travel for young people, all schools in Scotland have experienced an increase in students from other areas visiting them, sometimes not for particularly positive reasons.
READ MORE: Prestonpans: Preston Lodge Pipe Band star at World Championships
"We had one such case this morning, which was quickly and effectively dealt with. All students were safe, nobody was hurt, and we very much regret that due to our broken phone system concerned parents were obliged to email us, rather than receiving quick reassurance by phone.
"Schools do not normally comment on incidents of this type, but given the social media concerns we felt that, on this occasion, it was important to reassure students and families about the nature and outcome of this incident."
An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We are not aware of any widespread issues in schools being caused by the introduction of free bus travel. The majority of young people use their passes responsibly and in line with the aims of the scheme which was to improve access to work, education, training and social opportunities.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were called around 8.45 am on Friday, 18 August, to a report of anti-social behaviour involving a group of youths causing a disturbance in the Park View area of Prestonpans.
“Officers attended and a number of young people were traced nearby and spoken to by officers. Enquires are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here