URGENT education is needed to equip young people with knowledge for non-violent conflict resolution to help counter the rise in extremist views, Scotland's largest teaching union has said.
The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) said it hopes education can be used to combat far-right information about ethnic minorities frequently found on online platforms by supporting young people to consider alternatives to violence, repression and war, and practice "analytical skills" to come to an an informed position.
The union made the call as it refreshed its policy on "Education for Peace" with a guide for teachers on the types of ideas, resources and materials that can assist in educating young people on the principles of democracy.
It would be a bombshell moment for Scottish politics and a blow to Scotland's self-image and reputation as “progressive”.
"Given the rise of extremism across the world and the associated threats to democracy, education for peace and democratic citizenship must be an urgent priority, with teachers and schools given sufficient time and resources to address it," EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley urged.
Bradley referenced riots in England and Northern Ireland in July and August — which were nickmaed the Farage riots — and said they were largely the result of dangerous misinformation being spread, "often with malice of forethought".
She added: "The resulting demonisation and ‘othering’ of asylum seekers, migrants and people from ethnic minorities led to some of the worst, most frightening scenes of violence that we have seen in the UK for many years.
"Many of those involved in the violence later admitted, when faced with the criminal justice system, that they had relied on unreliable and misleading sources of information in forming their views and acting upon them.
"The antidote to this is inclusive, quality education that includes education for peace."
Bradley continued: "Educating our young people in non-violent conflict resolution could also help address the rising levels of violent and aggressive behaviour that very worryingly we are seeing in our schools.
"In this respect, education for peace can play a vital role in allowing young people to make more informed decisions, and encourage them to play an active and constructive role in democratic society. It is where people rely on only a small number of biased and agenda-driven sources, that extremists can take advantage.
"Given the rise of extremism across the world and the associated threats to democracy, education for peace and democratic citizenship must be an urgent priority, with teachers and schools given sufficient time and resources to address it, if we are to enable young people create a better world for themselves and for all others now and in the future.”
