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Members of Falkirk Council’s Scrutiny Committee heard on Tuesday that a higher number of girls (60 per cent) seek support than boys, although this data is in line with the national average. The report said that the education service should consider if there is a need to make counselling “more accessible or relevant to boys”, considering new approaches that are tailored to boys and young men. Presenting the report, Falkirk Council officer Gillian Campbell said that there are positive signs that males are beginning to accessing more digital support which may lead to them asking for more help if required. There is also evidence that for pupils aged five to 12, more boys than girls are accessing the service for help with behavioural issues and emotional regulation. Overall, there has been a high take-up of the offer of support in Falkirk schools and between April last year and this March, 828 young people received counselling in this way, with 66 of them from Primary 6 and 7. On average 8.5 per cent of secondary school pupils accessed counselling in session 2024-25, an increase on 2023-24, when it was 6.5 per cent. The highest numbers come from S2 and S3 pupils, which Ms Campbell said was “a difficult time” for many pupils. While anxiety was the most common reason to seek support, pupils also sought help with issues such as emotional and behavioural difficulties, trauma, depression, family, self-harm, relationships, bereavement and self-esteem. Just 39 pupils sought support with exam stress or school issues. Members heard that changes to the timing of reports made it difficult to get a picture of how successful the schools’ counselling has been. Just over half (52 per cent) reported positive improvements in their mental health and wellbeing but councillors heard that many have not yet completed their sessions, so that figure is expected to rise. Relationships Scotland – which provides Primary 6/7 counselling, summer counselling and a service for those who would prefer not to have counselling in their own secondary school – reported that 100 per cent of young people noticed an improvement in their wellbeing after completing their block. Councillor Iain Sinclair, the portfolio holder for education, said it was a very important service to support children and young people. “It’s a tough, tough time for them. There’s more pressure on children and young people than there ever has been, especially since Covid. “I’m grateful to officers for their work and for the service itself,” he said.
