FURIOUS parents have hit out after teachers asked pupils to fill out what they have deemed inappropriate questions for their school yearbook.
School leavers at Vale of Leven Academy in West Dunbartonshire were told to select one of their classmates as having the best backside, pick who was the most likely to be arrested, and name the year’s "biggest bitch".
They were also asked to name a student who was most likely to go missing and nominate the prettiest girl and hottest boy.
One parent told the Glasgow Times that she was shocked when her daughter showed her the questionnaire and said its tone could have a damaging impact on vulnerable teens.
She said: “The content of the questions were highly inappropriate and could cause lasting harm to the pupils involved.
“This might seem like light-hearted fun to some, but these type of things encourage bullying, reinforce stereotypes and could seriously damage someone's self-esteem or reputation. What happens if these labels stick?
“What if a vulnerable pupil or a young person from a difficult background is branded as the biggest bitch?
“The potential harm could be enormous, especially when you consider local history. Caroline Glachan was murdered not far from this school and her murderers were recently jailed. In that context, joking about 'who is most likely to go missing' is horrifyingly insensitive.”
The Glasgow Times reported that a decision has now been taken by teachers to remove some of the offending material from the yearbook after concerns were raised by parents and students. A follow-up email reminding pupils to answer the questions was then sent out in error.
“If the decision was already made to delete it then why was a reminder then sent out? The questions themselves were inherently unkind and inappropriate and should never have been approved in the first place. It’s astonishing that this was allowed to go ahead.
“My own child has refused to answer some of the content because they felt uncomfortable – and I fully support their decision. Pupils should not have to endure this kind of thoughtlessness from the very place that should be protecting and supporting them.”
The questions in the yearbook also ask students to select a classmate who is likely to still be working in a part time job, the biggest flirt, who is an underrated hottie, and the biggest cry-baby along, with who the "biggest blonde" is.
A spokesperson for West Dunbartonshire Council apologised for any offence caused.
They added: “This section of the student-led yearbook does not reflect or support our school values and a decision was taken two weeks ago to remove it. We are sorry for any upset or offence this may have caused to our families.”
