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The Scottish government, alongside researchers, has removed data collected from a censu s that inquired about sexual experiences among school pupils as young as 14. This Health and Wellbeing Census was conducted during 2021 and 2022, targeting students in S4 to S6 across half of Scotland’s council areas. Concerns were raised by parents, who reported that they were not informed beforehand about the nature of some questions and had not given consent for their children’s sensitive information to be shared.
The survey, which sought pupils’ perspectives on various topics including physical and mental health, bullying, and academic pressure, also delved into behaviors such as alcohol and tobacco use (from S2 upwards), gambling (from S3), and drug use (from S4). However, the section addressing sexual relationships became particularly contentious. The questions had been developed collaboratively by public health professionals, local authorities, schools, Education Scotland, and the Scottish government. Despite this, half of Scotland’s 32 councils withdrew from the census due to worries over the adequacy of informed consent procedures and the preservation of pupil anonymity.
Political opposition also voiced strong criticism, arguing that the questions posed to teenagers were overly intrusive and inappropriate. Moreover, concerns intensified when it emerged that the data might be accessible to external researchers. Throughout the controversy, the Scottish government maintained that participation was voluntary and that the data was confidential, emphasizing that the survey aimed to improve understanding of the factors influencing student achievement. Nonetheless, after public backlash, it was revealed by The Mail on Sunday that all collected data from the census has now been deleted by both internal holders and external users.
In a statement responding to queries from independent MSP Jeremy Balfour, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth confirmed this deletion. Balfour remarked, “It’s almost unprecedented for the Scottish government to admit making a mistake and to withdraw all this information, but this is what has happened. It’s a win for parents and for the safety of children.” A government spokesperson acknowledged the concerns expressed by parents and carers and confirmed that the same survey format would not be used again. While recognizing the importance of obtaining information on children’s and young people’s health and wellbeing to inform policy and services, the government pledged to collaborate with partners such as the NHS to find alternative methods of data collection. An oversight board is set to review the matter, with the chief statistician expected to provide further updates in due course
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